William Torres, an academician from NAST, recently made calls that the government should designate an appropriate agency that will function as "Infrastructure Operator" for the machines after the elections in 2010. NAST is an advisory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

An acclaimed "Father of Philippine Internet," Torres said it is only right that a separate government office besides Comelec should be chosen to handle the electoral machines since elections are often held.

"A government-owned corporation must be organized to be the infrastructure operator so that the government can make full use of the machines all throughout the year," Torres said. "This is for the benefit of many."

Torres made the statement in a recent forum held at Traders Hotel Manila, dubbed: "Round Table Discussion on: An Infrastructure for Fast Nationwide Data-gathering," attended by both public and private organizations.

Torres suggested that a study must be done to determine who among all government agencies is "fit" to serve as infrastructure operator.