A CEBU-BASED conglomerate yesterday denied allegations their involvement in a billion- peso deal to computerize the 2010 elections is politically-motivated, as claimed by a presidential contender.

2GO, the Aboitiz Group of Companies’ freight, cargo and express delivery firm, objected to speculations the Aboitizes’ close ties with President Arroyo put them in the deal that involves Smartmatic Corp. and Total Information Management Corp.

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Sebastian Lacson, chief reputation officer of the Aboitiz Group, told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday they will only serve as a service provider for the winning bidders.

Lacson added they even submitted proposals—to handle nationwide logistics requirements—to several bidders who joined the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) automation project.

One of the revelations during a Senate hearing was that Smartmatic and TIM have chosen 2GO for the shipping and warehousing of about 82,200 counting machines.

However, United Opposition president and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay alleged that the involvement of an Aboitiz-owned company in the poll automation process would weaken the integrity of the 2010 elections, since the Aboitizes are “known allies” of President Arroyo.

Lacson denied the speculation, and explained their role is solely that of a cargo delivery contractor.

If necessary, he added, the Aboitiz Group is open to any investigation on their role in the automation project.