PP Language Lessons
EasyBusinessOctober 17, 2025

U.S. Indictment Adds Smartmatic in Case About Philippine Election Contracts

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Key Vocabulary

bribe /braɪb/

Money or gift given illegally to influence a decision.
Example: They were accused of giving a bribe to win a contract.

indictment /ɪnˈdaɪtmənt/

A formal charge that begins a criminal case.
Example: The indictment lists names and allegations.

election /ɪˈlɛkʃən/

A public vote to choose leaders or approve decisions.
Example: The machines were used in the 2016 election.

📖 Article

On October 16, 2025 U.S. prosecutors charged Smartmatic and its parent SGO Corporation. They say the company and people paid more than $1 million in bribes to a Philippine election official between 2015 and 2018. The payments were allegedly linked to contracts for the 2016 national election.

The indictment names three former executives and the former head of the Philippines elections commission. Smartmatic says it denies the allegations and calls the case unfair. Court papers say the payments were hidden by fake invoices and bank transfers. People named in the indictment have pleaded not guilty. The case is in the Southern District of Florida and it may take time to go to trial.

113 words

❓ Quiz

Q1. When were U.S. prosecutors charging Smartmatic?
Q2. How much in bribes did prosecutors say were paid?
Q3. Where is the case being held?

💬 Discussion

1.

Do you worry when you hear about money and elections? How does that make you feel?

2.

Have you ever worked with or seen voting machines in your city? What was your experience?

3.

Do you think transparency is important in public contracts? Why or why not?