POC allows courier voting

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time in its election history, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will allow voting via courier.

Atty. Teodoro Kalaw IV, who chairs the three-man POC election committee for the Nov. 27 exercise, said athletes’ representative Hidilyn Diaz and some voting members from the national sports associations (NSAs) will be allowed to cast their sealed ballots via courier.

“In view of her current physical location in Malaysia and manifestation that she is unable to timely travel to the Philippines to be physically present at the POC special general assembly on Nov. 27 to cast her ballot, Ms. Hidilyn Diaz may exercise her personal right to vote as the female representative of the Athletes’ Commission thru the sealed ballot process,” said Kalaw in a letter also approved by committee members Frank Elizalde and Danilo Concepcion.

“NSAs that are eligible voters may also apply to avail of the sealed ballot process provided that such are unable to have their president, any vice-president or secretary-general personally attend due to (valid) reasons,” said Kalaw.