What Plan B? We have up to Plan D.

Thus said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in reaction to calls for the poll body to come up with a "Plan B" should the ongoing bidding for the P11.3 billion poll automation project fail.

Ferdinand Rafanan, chairman of the Comelec's Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC), disclosed that while critics are asking the Comelec to prepare for a "Plan B," they have, in fact, prepared and discussed contingency measures that are up to Plan D.

"Kung wala nang maga-grant sa mga motions for reconsideration at babagsak din ang Smartmatic, 'yan ang tinatawag nating failed bidding (If none of the motions for reconsiderations are granted and the Smartmatic is disqualified, that's what we call failed bidding)," Rafanan said.

On Monday night, the SBAC disqualified the Indra Sistemas/SAHI and Hart Intercivic consortium for its non-compliance with the Comelec's requirements, leaving Smartmatic/TIM the remaining consortium qualified to bid for the poll automation project.

Two other consortiums--AMA Group Holdings/ ES&S and Sequoia Voting Systems/USSC--were earlier disqualified by the SBAC. They have since filed their respective motions for reconsideration before the SBAC.

Meanwhile, bidder Gilat Satellite Network/FF Cruz & Co. Inc. has until Tuesday to file its motion for reconsideration. The SBAC is expected to rule on the these motions the same day, said Rafanan.

Rafanan, meanwhile, said that Comelec is ready to implement its contingency plans in case none of the bidders qualify with the Comelec's requirements.

"We assure the public that the Comelec is prepared for any eventuality. There are plans in place and the plans are up to Plan D," declared Rafanan.

"We are still focused on full automation. We are still on track. Let us focus our minds there," he said.