Poll watchers in video shading for seniors sacked, to face raps
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has removed two poll watchers in Abra after a viral video showed them shading ballots for senior citizens.
The incident, which took place on Election Day, is now the subject of formal charges.
The video, posted by netizen Joy Bernos, has amassed 20 million views. It shows two poll watchers filling out ballots for two elderly women, with sample ballots visible at the scene.
In an ambush interview, Comelec Chair George Garcia said the poll watchers have been sacked.
"They have no right, they have no power and they have no authority, these watchers, to become assisters in a precinct," Garcia said in Filipino.
Only relatives or electoral board members are permitted to help senior citizens cast their votes, the Comelec chair said.
Shading ballots for others inside a polling precinct on election day counts an election offense.
Polling authorities who allowed the poll watchers to assist the elderly may also face consequences, Garcia said.
Poll watchers are tapped to observe the electoral process on behalf of a candidate or political party. Their role is to help maintain the integrity of elections by ensuring compliance with electoral rules.
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