Do’s and don’ts in today’s polls
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sun, 12 May 2019 09:35:24 +0000
The Commission on Elections and the Department of Interior and Local Government yesterday reminded voters of the “do’s” and “don’ts” when they cast their votes in today’s midterm elections.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon urged voters to arrive at their respective polling precincts early. “Mga botante na aabutan ng alas-sais ng gabi bukas sa pila, papayagan pa rin bumoto kapag nasa loob ng 30 meters,” Guanzon explained.
Guanzon reminded the voters not to take videos and photos while inside their polling precincts. Taking photos and videos of the ballots, she added, is also strictly prohibited.
“Bawal ang kumuha ng video at litrato sa loob ng polling precinct at bawal din kuhanan ng litrato ang balota,” she said. Those caught taking photos and videos, she said, might face imprisonment.
Guanzon said that journalists and media practitioners are allowed to take photos and videos as long as they are outside the polling precincts.
The poll body, said Guanzon, is doing everything to address election-related issues.
Guanzon said voting machines that are “problematic” or with issues are expected. “Ang pagpalya ng ilang voting counting machines, normal lang dahil sa pagbiyahe pero walang dapat ipag-alala dahil naaayos din naman,” she explained, adding that the regional hubs are ready to replace the VCMs that can no longer be used.
She said that the Comelec will look into the Statement of Contribution and Expenditures of candidates. “Ang mga 35mahuhuling nandadaya ng kanilang SOCE, maaring ma-disqualify kahit manalo sa eleksiyon,” she added. (Ina Hernando Malipot)