Comelec seeks transfer of ballot custody following pre-shaded ballots in BARMM polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seeking for the transfer of ballot custody to them following the discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan.

"Isa sa mga isa-suggest na natin sa ating Kongreso ... Ang batas ay baguhin at ang possession, custody ng mga balota, na No. 1 election document, ay hindi po sa partisan o maaaring influential ng mga politiko," Comelec chairperson George Garcia told reporters during his visit at the Central Pilot Elementary School in Cotabato City.

(One of our suggestions in Congress is to change the law and transfer the possession, custody of ballots, which are No. 1 election documents. It should not be under partisan custody or those who could be influenced by politicians.)

"Kung pinagkakatiwala kay Comelec ang mga makina, bakit hindi naman magkakatiwala sa amin ang mga balota?" he added.

(If the automated counting machines are trusted to Comelec, why not the ballots?)

Garcia made the statement after 36 of the 86 precincts were compromised due to the pre-shaded ballots, prompting the decision to place Maluso Town under Comelec control.

Before the elections, the ballots are under the custody of municipal treasurers.

Garcia earlier said they have details on the culprit and that he already ordered reprinting of the ballots from the affected precincts.

Speaking to Super Radyo dzBB, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said around 600 voters were affected by the pre-shaded ballots in Maluso.

He assured that the affected voters will be able to cast their votes on Monday afternoon and will have to extend the voting hours if necessary. — RSJ, GMA News