Stringent verification rules out pre-shaded ballots - Comelec

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections assured the public that pre-shaded ballots are impossible due to its secure printing and verification process, refuting claims by scammers trying to extort candidates.

“Yung mga maniniwala pa sa mga manloloko matatamis ang dila na magsasabi na kaya nilang magkaroon ng pre-shaded ballots na invisible pa. Paano magakakaroon ng invisible pre-shaded samantalang pinapasok lahat ng balota sa makina?” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said on Thursday, Feb. 13.

[Translation: Those who still believe the scammers with sweet words claiming they can produce invisible pre-shaded ballots should think. How can there be invisible pre-shaded ballots when all ballots are processed through a machine?]

He made the statement at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City, the new venue for the ballot verification process, aimed at supplementing operations at the National Printing Office.

The Comelec trained hundreds of hired personnel to conduct manual and machine verification. Those with smudges, tears, or unnecessary markings, or those rejected by automated counting machines are set aside for disposal.

Garcia said the printing and verification are monitored by Comelec officials and election watchdogs, with livestreams on social media, ensuring transparency and leaving no room for fraud.

“Pinagbobobola lang kayo sa invisible markings na tinatawag… Bakit niyo kinakausap? E ‘di ibig sabihin umaasa kayo at naniniwala kayo sa nilalako nila,” Garcia said, addressing candidates.

[Translation: You're just being fed lies about these so-called invisible markings… Why are you talking to them? It means you relied on and believed in what they were selling.]

Earlier this week, police arrested three people who claimed to be information technology specialists for Comelec. The suspects were caught in an entrapment operation after attempting to extort P90 million from candidates in exchange for securing victories in the mayoral and vice mayoral races in Cagayan province.

Garcia said the poll body is monitoring two women in Mindanao claiming to be Comelec officers, as well as five others in Metro Manila, including a former staff member, all suspected of using the modus operandi.