Special voting eyed for Cordova precinct
CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Elections may hold a special voting for one clustered precinct in Barangay Gabi, Cordova following a failure of voting yesterday because most of the ballots intended for the precinct have been missing.
At least 10 ballots were found delivered in Barangay Hulumaynon, Dalaguete. Comelec-7 director lawyer Jose Nick Mendros said the remaining 712 ballots are yet to be located as of press time.
Mendros said what was delivered to clustered precincts 74a, 74b, 76a, and 7b were the ballots for Hulumaynon, Dalaguete.
He described the incident as a case of "misdelivery" of ballots, which he said occurs in every elections. Mendros immediately dismissed speculations that the ballots had been swapped intentionally.
"Wala talagang swapping, talagang walang balota for Barangay Gabi," Mendros said.
He explained that the box indicated that it was assigned for Barangay Gabi, Cordova but when opened it contains ballots for another clustered precincts.
"Hindi magamit ang mga balota kasi ang balota natin is precinct-specific so kung ano ang balota na para sa kanya, iyon lang ang babasahin," he said.
According to Mendros, there were 722 registered voters who were not able to vote yesterday. He said a special voting may be held at a later date depending on the decision of the Comelec en banc.
Mendros said he already submitted a report to the Comelec en banc regarding the matter.
"This is my third time na na-experience ko ito. Every time kung saan ako ma-assign, nagkakaroon ng misdelivery. Feel ko malas ako diyan," he said in jest.
Mendros said the affected voters were advised that a special voting may be conducted in another date. He is not sure, however, when the special voting going to be held since ballots will still be printed.
"I have no idea. Wala silang sinabi. They have not given me any timeline but I just hope it would be done this week," Mendros said. — May B. Miasco, Christell Fatima Tudtud, and CNU intern Ermida Q. Moradas/FPL (FREEMAN)
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