Comelec to check on reported ‘wet’ ballots in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will check the ballots in Sulu that reportedly got “wet” when it rained while it is being transported on a plane.

Comelec Commissioner Sheriff Abas said that only the outer layer of the ballot covers was affected. The ballots were for the seven municipalities in Sulu.

Both Abas and Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said that despite initial reports, the Comelec would still check the ballots to make sure they would be accepted by the vote counting machines.

“Pabubuksan para ma-double check yung balota kung na-damage ba o hindi, kung damaged yan mag-rereprint tayo… Kailangan lang maniguro,” Abas told reporters.

Asked if there is enough time to reprint, Abas said there is still ample time as it only takes a while depending on the volume.

Abas also clarified that the cover of the ballot has three layers. The first cover is a plastic vacuumed packing, the second is a black receptacle and the last is a sealing packaging.

Guanzon also allayed fears and said that she is confident that the ballots were sealed properly. 

"Superficial naman po yung pagkabasa nung ballot that got wet in the rain," Guanzon said.

“’Wag po kayong mag-aalala sa province na ‘yun sa Sulu dahil three layers naman po yung ballot,” she added.