General-Instructions-for-the-Electoral-Board-Atty.-Pangilinan.pptx

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1. General Instructions for the Electoral Boards on the Process of Voting, Counting, & Transmission of Election Results COMELEC Resolution No. 11076 A Lecture by: Atty. Lydia V. Florentino-Pangilinan

2. Table of Contents 01 Electoral Board 02 Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) 03 Election Day Process 04 Closing of Polls 05 Disposition of Records

3. Electoral Board, DepEd Supervising Official, & Support Staff 01

4. Electoral Board refers to the body duly constituted by the Commission who will conduct the Final Testing and Sealing (FTS), voting, counting, and transmission of election results.

5. Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Electoral Board 1. Act as deputies of the COMELEC in supervising conduct of elections in the polling place ; 2. Conduct the Final Testing and Sealing of the Automated Counting Machines (ACMs ); 3. They shall conduct voting in the polling place and administer the electronic counting of votes; 4. Be accountable for all the ACM kits received; 5. Maintain order within the polling place and its premises 6. Keep an open and unobstructed access thereto ;

6. HOWEVER, If any person refuses to obey the lawful orders of the EB; conducts in a disorderly manner; thereby interrupts or disturbs the voting proceedings 7. Enforce obedience to its lawful orders. Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Electoral Board The EB may issue an order in writing directing any peace officer to take such person in custody until the adjournment of the meeting Provided the unruly person is not prevented to vote.

7. Written Order to PNP To ask PNP to take into custody unruly persons To order the detail of sufficient number of PNP to secure the EBs and election paraphernalia

8. In the absence of any peace officer , the order may be executed by any other competent, and able person deputized by the EB in writing . In all cases, the Written Order should be noted and attached to the Minutes of the Voting Proceedings

9. Composition of the Electoral Board The EB is composed of: Chairperson Poll Clerk Third Member at least one (1) member should be IT capable person trained for the purpose and certified as such by the DOST. The Special Electoral Board (SEB) for PDL Voting is not be required to have an IT-capable member certified by the DOST.

10. Qualifications of Members of the Electoral Board A registered voter of the city/municipality; Of good moral character and irreproach a ble reputation ; Of known integrity and competence ; Has never been convicted of any election offense or of any crime punishable by more than 6 months of imprisonment, or has no pending information for any election offense; and Able to speak and write Filipino, English or the local dialect Disqualification Should not be related within 4 th civil deg of consanguinity or affinity to any candidate and to any EB members of the same polling place assignment, or to the candidate’s spouse

11. Voting Privilege of the Electoral Board EB may vote in the polling place where they are assigned on election day, provided that: 1.They are registered voters of the city within the same legislative district or municipality where they are assigned ; 2.They have not availed of the local absentee voting ; 3. Add their names and precinct numbers and the place where they are actually registered in the EDCVL and note such fact in the Minutes.

12. Voting Privilege of the Electoral Board If EB, is a registered voter of another legislative/councilor district within the same city or municipality , he may vote in the polling place where they are actually registered, provided that: The voting in their place of assignment is light ; Their absence shall not be for more than thirty (30) minutes ; They shall schedule the voting so that only one (1) member shall leave at any given time; They must be given priority in voting ; This should be reflected in the Minutes.

13. If the Chairperson exercises this privilege, the Poll Clerk shall act as the Acting Chairperson . On the other hand, the EB may avail of local absentee voting pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 11091

14. Meeting of the Electoral Board Shall be public and held ONLY in the polling place authorized by the Commission . The EB shall act through its Chairperson and, without delay, decide by majority vote all questions that may arise in the performance of its duties.

15. Temporary Vacancies in the Electoral Board If any member is absent or a position in the EB is still vacant , the members present shall call upon the substitute of the absent member to perform the duties of the latter. In case such substitute cannot be found , the members present shall appoint any qualified non-partisan registered voter of the polling place to temporarily fill in said vacancy until the absent member appears or the vacancy is filled. In case there are only two (2) members present, they shall act jointly .

16. Arrest of Absent EB Member The member or members of the EB present may order the arrest of any member or substitute thereof, who, in the member’s or members’ judgment, is absent with the intention of obstructing the performance of the duties of the EB.

17. Relief and Substitution of the Members of the Electoral Board The members of the EB shall not be relieved or substituted unless otherwise disqualified .

18. Support Staff refers to persons who are appointed to assist the EB in the performance of its duties during election day, and until all the election activities have concluded and EBs have performed all its duties.

19. Absence of Support Staff on the Day of the Elections The EB, by majority vote, may designate a substitute who: is at least eighteen (18) years of age ; need not be a registered voter of the city or municipality ; has never been convicted of any election offense or of any crime punishable by more than six (6) months of imprisonment or has no pending Information for any election offense; is able to speak and write Filipino, English, or the local dialect. must be of good moral character and irreproachable reputation and is of known integrity and competence ;

20. Temporary Appointment as EB / Support Staff Substitute The Substitute can immediately assume office after taking oath as required by law. The appointment will automatically be cancelled and considered null and void upon the appearance of the duly appointed EB Member. The disqualification due to relationship to candidates shall apply.

21. Allowed Number of Support Staff The allowed number of Support Staff that may be appointed per EB are as follows: Number of Established Precincts in the Clustered Precincts Number of Allowed EB Support Staff per Clustered Precinct 1 to 3 1 4 2 5 or more 3 (maximum)

22. Allowed Number of Support Staff For the SEB-PDL Support Staff, the allocation will be as follows: Total No. of Clustered Precincts in a Voting Center Number of Allowed EB Support Staff per Clustered Precinct 1 - 10 1 11 – 20 and so forth following the same ratio 2

23. Allowed Number of Support Staff For DESO and DESO Administrative Support Staff: Number of Clustered Precincts in the Voting Center Total Number of Allowed DESO Total Number of Allowed DESO Administrative SS 1-10 1 1 11-20 2 2 21-30 3 3 31-40 and so forth using the same ratio 4 4

24. Allowed Number of Support Staff For DESO Technical Support Staff: Number of Clustered Precincts in the Voting Center Total Number of Allowed DESO Technical SS 1-5 1 6-10 2 11-15 3 16-20 and so forth using the same ratio 4

25. Functions of DESO, in coordination with the EO: Plan, organize, and supervise the setting up of a Voters’ Assistance Desk (VAD); Each voting center shall have a VAD; manned by COMELEC accredited citizens' arms; to assist voters in finding their precinct, sequence numbers and polling places.

26. Supervise the strategic posting by the DESO Administrative SS of the layout of the voting center indicating the location of the polling places; Functions of DESO, in coordination with the EO:

27. Ensure that the EBs securely posted each page of the PCVL outside the polling place and accessible to the voters; Functions of DESO, in coordination with the EO: Plan, organize, and supervise the crowd management at the ingress and egress areas of the voting centers;

28. Maintain a list of technical personnel, as well as PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel, assigned in the voting centers for efficient coordination; Functions of DESO, in coordination with the EO:

29. Supervise and maintain the APP and PPP, as the case may be, in the voting center; Serve as the contact and point person of the EO in the voting center ; Supervise the Technical and Administrative Support Staff in the exercise of their duties and functions Designate each DESO Technical Support Staff to their respective cluster precincts; and . Perform such other functions prescribed by law or by the rule and regulations promulgated by the Commissio n Functions of DESO, in coordination with the EO:

30. Duties and Functions of DESO Technical Support Staff Report during the scheduled FTS and on Election Day in the voting center where they are assigned; Remain in the assigned voting center for the entire duration of the FTS and on Election Day, until all the activities are concluded; Troubleshoot the ACM in case of technical issues and provide solution. In case the technical issues cannot be resolved, refer to the NTSC for the proper resolution.

31. Duties and Functions of DESO Technical Support Staff Report to the NTSC and EO during the conduct of the FTS and Election Day the following: 1. The DATE and TIME of: arrival at the voting center; successful installation of the ACM of the clustered precinct/s under his/her jurisdiction; the start of voting of the clustered precinct/s; the close of voting of the clustered precinct/s;

32. 2. The status of transmission of the clustered precinct/s on Election Day under his/her jurisdiction; 3. Missing items in the ACM case of the clustered precincts, if any; 4. Defective storage device for replacement; and 5. All other information or reports that may be required to them. 6. Assist the EB in the installation of ACM, if so required. Report to the NTSC and EO during the conduct of the FTS and Election Day the following:

33. Compensation ROLE TOTAL COMPENSATION (Gross Amount) Chairperson of the EB/SEB P12,000.00 Members of the EB/SEB P11,000.00 EB /SEB / IP-SVR/ PPP/S-PPP Support Staff P8,000.00 DepEd Supervising Official (DESO) P11,000.00 DESO Technical Support Staff P9,000.00 DESO Administrative Support Staff P8,000.00 Service Credit A minimum of 5 days service shall accrue to all government officials and employees serving as EB, SEB, DESO, and Support Staff

34. WATCHERS

35. Official Watchers of Candidates, Political Parties, and Other Groups No. of Watchers Candidate 2 (shall serve alternatively) Each candidate, duly registered political party or coalition of political parties, Party-List System, and duly accredited citizen’s arms 1 (collectively) Senator, Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan , Sangguniang Panglungsod , and SB belonging to the same party or coalition 1 (collectively) Other civic, religious, professional, business, service, youth, and any other similar organizations If the space reserved for watchers is insufficient, preference shall be given to the watchers of the dominant majority and dominant minority parties. Watchers of the citizens’ arms shall be given preferential position closest to the EB.

36. Qualifications of Watchers The following persons are qualified to serve as watchers: Registered voter of the city or municipality where the watcher is assigned; Of good moral character; Able to read and write Filipino, English, or the prevailing local dialect; they have not been convicted by final judgment of any election offense or of any other crime, not related within the 4 th civil degree of consanguinity to any members of the EB in the polling place and Not barangay officials or tanods .

37. Rights and Duties of Watchers 1. Watchers shall present to the Chairperson of the EB their appointments and proof that they are registered voters of the city or municipality where they are assigned. appointments shall bear the signature of the candidate or duly authorized representative that appointed them. Candidates, registered parties, or coalitions must submit to the EO, at least 15 days before Election Day, the names and signatures of their authorized representatives and a list of watchers indicating their assigned polling places.

38. Rights and Duties of Watchers Stay in the space reserved for them inside the polling place Witness the proceedings of the Electoral Board Take note of what they see or hear. Take photos or videos of proceedings and incidents while maintaining ballot secrecy. Shall not wander inside the room, but to stay only in the space/place designated for watchers Shall not approach and talk to voters Shall not take pictures of ballots SHALL NOT DISRUPT THE ON-GOING PROCEEDINGS OF EBs CAN DO CANNOT DO

39. Rights of Watchers File a protest against any irregularity or violation of the law committed by the EB or any person present. Obtain a certificate from the EB regarding the filing or resolution of the protest. Position themselves near the EB Chairperson during the public announcement of precinct results.

40. Final Testing and Sealing (FTS) of ACM 02

41. PERIOD OF THE FTS: On any scheduled day from 02 May 2025 to 07 May 2025 The EB shall convene at the designated polling places to test and seal the ACM assigned to its clustered precinct.

42. Failure to Conduct FTS If it’s due to security and/or other practical concerns , the EO may order the conduct of the FTS in the nearest voting center subject to the approval of the concerned PES, or the RED in the case of NCR, Zamboanga City, and Davao City. If FTS cannot be done during the set schedule, the Commission has the option to conduct the same on any day from May 8 until the election day.

43. NOTICE of Date, Time & Venue to Conduct FTS the EB, DESO, and their Support Staff THRU WRITTEN NOTICE The candidates, parties, coalitions , organizations, and accredited citizens' arms, of each FTS per clustered precincts on the bulletin boards of the OEO, city/municipal hall and at least 3 conspicuous places in the city/municipality THRU POSTING OF NOTICES EO, not later than three (3) days before the schedule of FTS, shall notify:

44. Distribution of FTS Supplies The duly designated member of the EB shall obtain from the OEO the forms, documents, and supplies in the morning of the day scheduled for the FTS of the ACM, unless the City/Municipal EO provides an earlier period.

45. FTS Procedure No 1: State the Purpose of FTS FTS is conducted to ensure that ACM and election materials are functioning correctly . Sample ballots are used to test the ACMs’ accuracy in reading and counting votes, with results compared against a manual tally. Other equipment and election paraphernalia are also inspected to confirm if they are operational. Once testing is successful, the ACMs are sealed to prevent tampering.

46. 2. Examine the accomplished ballot and determine whether the circle opposite the names of the candidates have been fully shaded and the security features (timing marks, barcodes, and QR Codes) have not been damaged; FTS PROCEDURE The Chairperson shall: 1. Randomly chose 10 persons present during FTS who will accomplish the ballots;

47. FTS PROCEDURE 3. Return the accomplished ballot inside the ballot secrecy folder and give the same to the voter who shall personally feed the accomplished ballot in the ACM; 4. Instruct the persons to verify the votes as appearing on the VVPAT and place the same in the VVPAT receptacle.

48. FTS PROCEDURE 6. Follow the instructions on the closing of polls and the printing of election returns after all the ten (10) ballots have been fed; 7. Conduct Manual Verification of Results 5. Repeat procedures 1 to 4 until all 10 ballots are fed to the ACM.

49. Manual Verification of Results Procedure The EB shall retrieve the ballots from the ballot box, manually count the votes, and accomplish the manual E R s. The Chairperson will verify ballots to check for over-votes in any position, invalidating votes for that position found . The Chairperson will read each ballot, announcing the candidates’ names and their corresponding positions.

50. The Poll Clerk shall record votes on the manual ER with vertical lines, marking every fifth vote with a diagonal line crossing the previous four. After every ten ballots, the Poll Clerk shall tally the total votes for each candidate. Manual Verification of Results Procedure

51. In no case shall there be transmission of votes

52. Minutes of Final Testing and Sealing of ACM, Voting, Counting and Transmission of Votes The EB shall record in the Minutes all the acts or data required to be entered under this Resolution as soon as they occur or become available.

53. Disposition of Forms/Supplies After the FTS, the EB shall: Place the ACM in its case and seal it with plastic security seal. Place it inside its box and secure with paper seal. Leave the sealed ACM box, ballot box, VVPAT receptacle, and external battery inside the polling place or a secured room within the voting center.

54. Disposition of Forms/Supplies The EO shall securely store the submitted documents until further instruction from the Commission. EB to submit to EO the envelop containing the following items, sealed with signed paper seals: 1. Diagnostic Report 2. Initialization Report; 3. Nine (9) copies of National and Local Returns; 4. Manual ER; 5. Counted ballots; 6. VVPAT;

55. After the FTS, the ACM Box shall not be opened earlier than 4:00 AM on 12 May 2025.

56. Election Day Process 03

57. REGULAR VOTING HOURS 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EARLY VOTING HOURS 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM ELECTION DAY

58. Who may avail of the Early Voting Hours of 5AM to 7AM PDL-Satellite Polling Place (PDL-SPP) Satellite-Priority Polling Place (S-PPP) is from 7AM to 5PM . Exclusively the following: They also have access to the priority lanes at polling places from 7AM to 7PM. Priority Polling Place (PPP) is from 5AM to 5PM

59. Who may vote?

60. ONLY REGISTERED VOTER whose name appears in the EDCVL unless their names are manually crossed out from the same list with the following annotations , duly signed by the ERB: The voter has been verified to have multiple registration record based on AFIS The voter has an approved application of transfer of residence to another district, city, or municipality The voter is deceased based on the records submitted by the Local Civil Registrar. The voter has availed the Local Absentee Voting

61. Challenge Against Illegal Voter Any person who wants to cast his/her vote may be challenged by any voter or watcher on the following grounds: Being not registered; Using the name of another; or Having an existing disqualification .

62. Challenge Based on Certain Illegal Acts : He/she has received or expects to receive money or anything of value as consideration for his/her voter or for the vote of another; He/she has made or received a promise to influence the giving or withholding of such vote; He/she has made a bet which depends upon the result of the election.

63. Rules to be observed during voting: Voters will cast their votes in the order of their arrival at the polling place. Watchers are not permitted in the area reserved for voters and the EBs; or mingle and talk with the voters; Firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited in polling places, except for those authorized by the COMELEC; Crowding and disorderly behavior inside the polling place are not allowed. A maximum of 20 voters at a time inside the polling place, with seats reserved for Senior Citizens, PWDs, and Pregnant voters. The ballot box will remain locked during voting.

64. Persons allowed in and around the polling place: Members of the EB and Support Staff, if any Watchers COMELEC representatives DESO Technical / Administrative Support Staff / PPP supoprt staff assigned in the voting center Voters casting their votes and their assistors, if any Voters waiting for their turn to cast their votes Jail/Prison Escorts escorting PDL voters; National Commission on Indigenous Peoples representative/s Other persons specifically authorized by COMELEC (e.g. DepEd Supervisor)

65. WHO ARE NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE POLLING PLACE Officers or member of the PNP/AFP Any Peace officer, extra-legal police agency Special/Reaction/Strike Forces Civilian Armed Force Geographical Units Barangay Tanods , Security Guards, Special Policemen Barangay and SK officials, all other kinds of armed or unarmed extra-legal Police Forces to stay 50 meters away from the polling place except to vote

66. Other prohibitions on voters: Ballots, secrecy folders, and marking pens must remain inside the polling place. Communication is only permitted with the EB or designated assistants while inside the polling place. A secrecy folder must be used when marking the ballot. Displaying the contents of the ballot is prohibited. Ballots must be completed independently, unless an authorized assistant is present. No erasures, alterations, or distinguishing marks should be made on the ballot.

67. Other prohibitions on voters: The use of cameras, cell phones, or any recording device to capture ballot contents is not allowed. Intentionally tearing or defacing the ballot is prohibited. Any action that disrupts or attempts to disrupt the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) operations is prohibited.

68. Holding Area If necessary, EBs may designate holding area: Adjacent room With ample space and accessible to wheel chair users Waiting voters shall sit and arrange themselves, according to their sequence of arrival, first come first serve

69. Preparation of Ballots by an Assistor No voter shall be allowed to vote as an illiterate, PWD or SC unless such fact is indicated in the EDCVL, or although not indicated as a person with disability in the EDCVL, when the disability is readily apparent. If so, such voter may be aided in the preparation of the ba l lot, by an assistor of voting age, in the following order: Relative within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity; Person of his confidence who belongs to the same household as that of the voter ; or Any member of the EB

70. A voter with physical impairment may be assisted in feeding the ballot into the ACM by the EB member who shall ensure that the contents of the ballot are not displayed during its feeding into the ACM. This fact must be recorded in the Minutes.

71. Eligibility to be an Assistor A relative of the voter by blood or marriage up to the fourth civil degree A trusted person from the voter’s household, if no qualified relative is available A member of the EB The assistant must be of legal voting age Note: Except for the EB member , an assistor can only assist a maximum of THREE (3) illiterate and/or incapacitated voters.

72. Illiterate and Physically Challenged Voters If voter is illiterate or physically unable to vote, he can avail of the assistance of ONE (1) assistor. This fact of illiteracy or physical incapacity must be recorded in the EDCVL, voter’s registration record. The “readily obvious” requirement no longer applies. Poll clerk must first verify that such person had authorized his/her assistor to fill up the ballot for him/her. The assistor should take an oath that he/she will fill the ballot as instructed by the voter and not reveal the contents of the ballot to anyone.

73. Express Lane in Regular Polling Places Persons with Disability, Senior Citizens, Escorted Persons Deprived of Liberty, Pregnant Women and Indigenous People

74. Premature Announcement of Voting The members of the EB are prohibited from announcing the following matters during the voting period: Whether a specific registered voter has voted or not The number of voters who have already voted or failed to vote thus far; or Any other fact tending to show or showing the state of the polls.

75. Accessible Polling Place It shall be located at the ground floor, preferably near the entrance of the building, free of any physical barriers, and provided with necessary services including assistive devices. The EB shall provide a separate holding area for PWDs and SC in coordination with school or building officials. It is where the EBs conduct elections for PWD and SC voters who have previously manifested intentions to cast their votes in an APP.

76. Procedures for Voting, Counting of Votes, Transmission of Precinct Results

77. Verification of Forms, Documents and Supplies Within 3 days from receipt of the forms, documents, and supplies, the concerned treasurer and EO shall notify the political parties, candidates, and citizens' arms that the same have been delivered to the Treasurer's Office and that a verification will be conducted on a scheduled date, time, and place.

78. Documents from the Office Election Officer 1 copy of the Posted Computerized Voters List (PCVL) duly certified by the ERB to be posted outside the polling place; Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL) duly certified by the ERB Appointment and Oath of Office of the EB and Support Staff

79. Appointment of Chairperson/Poll Clerk/Member (CEF No. A30) Certificate of Challenge or Protest and Decision of the EB (CEF No. A35) Oath of Voter Challenged for Illegal Acts (CEF No. A39) Oath to Identify a Challenged Voter (CEF No. A40) Forms to be Reproduced when Needed

80. Preliminaries to the Voting The EB shall: Meet at the polling place prior the opening of polls on 12 May 2025 ; Ensure that the ACM box and the ballot box are inside the polling place; Set up the polling place. Arrange the chairs and tables to be used in such a way that they are at least one (1) meter apart from each other; As far as practicable, the EB shall designate at least five (5) seats exclusively for PWD, senior citizens, and pregnant voters;

81. Preliminaries to the Voting Post one (1) copy of the PCVL of each precinct in the cluster, near or at the door of the polling place, with the pages/sheets spread out to give free access to voters who are checking their names in the list;

82. Show the watchers and public that: The ACM case is sealed. The ballot box is empty, then lock it with plastic security seals. The package of official ballots is sealed, then break the seal.

83. Preliminaries to the Voting Open the ACM case and check if the following are inside: ACM Power cord, adaptor, and battery cable Remaining rolls of thermal paper Three (3) PINs for operating the ACM, three (3) smartcard security keys, and one (1) re-zeroing PIN Checklist of ACM contents USB modem with SIM and contingency SIM card Marking pens Cleaning sheet One (1) paper seal for the ACM box

84. Preliminaries to the Voting Retrieve the smart card security keys and PINs, distributing them, while the re-zero PIN remains inside the ACM case. Bring out the ACM and show the public that the compartment containing the main and back-up storage devices is sealed. Perform the ACM Operations

85. Voting Procedures When the voters present themselves to vote, t he Poll Clerk shall: Verify if the voter’s name is in the EDCVL to confirm they are assigned to the polling place. If not, direct them to the VAD to check their assigned precinct. If the voter’s name is found, check their fingernails for indelible ink stains. If stained, assume the voter has already voted and direct them to leave the polling place, recording the details in the Minutes.

86. 3 . If the fingernail is not stained, establish the identity of the voter through the following: i . Voter’s photograph or specimen signature in the EDCVL. In case the identity of the voter cannot be determined with certainty in the EDCVL, the EB may require the voter to present any valid identification document, except barangay certificate or community tax certificate; or ii. In the absence of any proof of identity, any member of the EB or any registered voter of the precinct/clustered precinct may identify under oath the voter, and such fact shall be reflected in the Minutes

87. Voting Procedures 4. If identity is confirmed, announce the voter’s name loudly enough for the polling place to hear; 5. If not challenged, or if the challenge is resolved in their favor, require the voter to sign the EDCVL or, for illiterate voters or PWDs, affix their thumbmark. 6. Direct the voter to the Chairperson. 7. If the voter’s identity is not sufficiently established or challenged and decided against them, ask them to leave the polling place, recording the details in the Minutes.

88. Manner of Obtaining Ballots 3. Give the ballot secrecy folder containing the ballot and the marking pen to the voter with instruction on how to fill-out the ballot and that it shall be kept clean and free from unnecessary markings; 4. Direct the voter to fill-out the ballot in the designated voting area. The voter shall be directed to the Chairperson who shall: 1. Authenticate the ballot by affixing his/her signature at the designated space of the front of the ballot; Failure to authenticate shall not invalidate the ballot but shall constitute an election offense 2. Show to the voter that the ballot being given is not torn or smudged, and has not yet been filled-out;

89. Manner of Voting (a) The Chairperson shall instruct the voter to: Use the ballot secrecy folder and marking pen provided. Fully shade the circle next to the names of their chosen candidates and party-list organizations.

90. Feed the completed ballot into the ACM’s slot and take the printed VVPAT. BARMM voters shall feed two ballots one at a time. Deposit the VVPAT in the receptacle. Return the secrecy folder and marking pen to the EB third member.

91. Manner of Voting (b) The EB third member shall stay beside the ACM, out of view of the screen, to: Ensure the ballot is deposited, and the VVPAT is printed and placed in the receptacle. Collect the secrecy folder and marking pen. Apply indelible ink to the voter’s right forefinger or another nail if absent. Advise the voter to leave the polling place.

92. Manner of Voting (c) If the voter objects to the VVPAT results: Have the voter sign the back of the VVPAT and retain it for submission to the Chairperson. Direct the voter to the Chairperson. (d) The Chairperson shall instruct the Poll Clerk to record the objection in the Minutes (copy for the ballot box) and attach the contested VVPAT. Frivolous objections are election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code, and the EB may administer oaths for possible falsification or perjury charges.

93. Rejected Ballots Ballots may be rejected by the ACM during scanning with the following messages: (a) Misread Ballot – The ballot is not scanned properly. The EB allows the voter to re-feed it in four different orientations. (b) Previously Read Ballot – The ballot with the same ID number was already scanned. (c) Invalid Ballot – The ballot is not configured for the ACM. (d) Fake Ballot – Security markings are missing.

94. Rejected Ballots If still rejected, the voter returns the ballot to the Chairperson, who shall: Mark the back as "REJECTED." Have all EB members sign the back. Place it in the Envelope for Rejected Ballots. No replacement ballot is issued unless the rejection is not the voter's fault, in which case it is marked "REJECTED WITH REPLACEMENT.” Any objection must be submitted in writing, attached to the rejected ballot, and noted in the Minutes ( one copy for the ballot box and one for the EO).

95. Closing of Polls 04

96. Closing of Polls After voting, the EB shall ensure that ballots , if any, from the following are batch fed into the ACM: Separate Voting Room for Indigenous People (IP-SVR) PDL-Special Polling Place (PDL-SPP) and Priority Polling Place (PPP) Then close voting as per ACM Operation Procedures.

97. Closing of Polls After printing 30 ER copies and statistical reports, the EB, shall: Perform ballot review; Print the audit log report; Perform the final back up procedure, and thereafter, the ACM will automatically shutdown;

98. Break the seal of the USB device compartment, open its cover, remove the main USB device, and place it inside the envelope (A18-B). The EB shall indicate on the envelope the clustered precinct number, and barangay, city/municipality/province. The Back up USB device shall not be removed from the ACM, and the cover of the USB compartment shall be resealed. Closing of Polls

99. Place the initialization report, precinct statistical report and audit log in their corresponding envelops (A18-C & A18E) Disconnect the ACM's power cable, battery, and related cables. Store smartcard keys and PINs in the ACM case. Place the battery in the ACM box. Place the power cord and the ACM electrical adapter 1nside the ACM case; Close the ACM case then place it in the ACM box. Closing of Polls

100. Closing of Polls Seal the ACM case in the box and wrap the ballot box with packaging tape, affixing signatures of the EB and watchers. Turn over the ACM box and AES-related equipment to the EO for verification using the checklist. The EB must account for any missing items or face liability and potential charges.

101. Disposition of Documents 05

102. Disposition of Unused Ballots After voting, the Chairperson, in the presence of the EB members, shall: Record the quantity of unused ballots in the Minutes; Tear unused ballots in half lengthwise; Place one half in Envelope CEF No. A15 for safekeeping by the EO; Place the other half in Envelope CEF No. A16 and deposit it in the ballot box, noting this in the Minutes.

103. Disposition of Election Returns The EB shall sign and affix thumbmarks on the certification portion of all copies of the ERs. 1 copy will be posted conspicuously in the polling place. The first 8 copies will be sealed with serially numbered paper seals Place 8 ERs in its individual envelopes (CEF No. A17) All paper seals and envelops shall be signed by the EBs and watchers present

104. Disposition of Election Returns The ERs shall be distributed to the following: 1. City/Municipal BOC 7. Dominant minority part 2. COMELEC 8. Ballot box 3. Congress (Senators and Party-list System) 9. One for posting in the polling place 4. PPCRV 10. Provincial Board of Canvasser 5. NAMFREL 11. 10 accredited major national parties (excluding dominant parties) 6. Dominant majority part 12. 2 accredited major local parties

105. Disposition of Election Returns Four national broadcast or print media entities, as determined by the Commission for widest dissemination. Two local broadcast or print media entities, as determined by the Commission for widest dissemination. Two major citizens' arms or non-partisan groups, excluding PPCRV and NAMFREL, for quick counts at local or national levels. Remaining copies go to other accredited citizens' arms, excluding PPCRV and NAMFREL.

106. Disposition of ACM, Ballot Box, Election Returns and Other Documents The EB shall: Place the following inside the ballot box: 1. Sealed envelopes containing: i . Copy of printed E Rs for the ballot box ii. Copy of the Minutes for the ballot box iii. Half of torn unused ballots and rejected ballots, if any. 2. VVPAT receptacle Close the flap of the ballot box with a security seal.

107. Disposition of ACM, Ballot Box, Election Returns and Other Documents EBs with watchers shall deliver the ballot box, to the city/ municipal treasurer. The treasurer shall, at its own expense , provide at the voting center the necessary personnel and transportation facilities for the retrieval. In case the ballot box is not sealed, the treasurer shall seal the ballot box, and include such fact, noting the serial number of the plastic seal used, in his/her report to the Commission

108. Disposition of ACM, Ballot Box, Election Returns and Other Documents Other HaIf of Torn Unused Official Bailots ; Initialization Report; Precinct Audit Log Report; Precinct Statistical Report; ERs intended for the PBOC (CEF No. A17); ERs intended for the Commission (CEF No. A17 ). Deliver to the EO the following documents or papers: EDCVL; PCVL; Sealed Envelopes containing:

109. Disposition of ACM, Ballot Box, Election Returns and Other Documents The envelope containing the main USB storage device for use by the city/municipal board of canvassers through the Reception and Custody Group (RCG); and Other pertinent papers and documents. Preservation of List of Voters The EO shall be responsible and accountable for the safekeeping of all EDCVLs, including all PCVLs in a safe and secure place within the office.

110. Disposition of ACM, Ballot Box, Election Returns and Other Documents EBs to turn over the ACM box, including all other AES-related equipment to EO; EO will verify its completeness using the same checklist provided for the purpose;. In case there are lacking items in the checklist, the EB shall be required to produce the same, otherwise, they shall be held liable for their equivalent cost, without prejudice to the filing of civil, criminal and/or administrative charges.

111. Omission of Election Documents and Paraphernalia in Ballot Box The EB, instead of opening the ballot box, sha1l deliver the omitted documents to the EO. The EO shall take appropriate measures to preserve the integrity of such documents. T he EO or the treasurer shall require the EB members who failed to turn over the election documents or paraphernalia to deliver them immediately and inform him/her that failure to do so may constitute an election offense

112. Erroneously Placed inside the Ballot Box EO is authorized to open the ballot box to retrieve election documents and other items inadvertently placed therein . EO shall notify EB, Treasurer, candidates, and watchers as to the time, place, and venue of the opening of the ballot box. EO shall submit report of the retrieval of documents to the PES within two (2) days from opening the ballot box. . The PES shall, likewise, submit a report to the RED, who shall in turn submit a report to the ODEDO.

113. SANCTIONS Any person who violates or fails to comply with any of the provision of this Resolution No. 11076 shall be criminally or administratively liable, as the case may be.

114. Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation. -Zig Ziglar Thank you. Atty. Lydia V. Florentino-Pangilinan Provincial Election Supervisor Pampanga

115. Thank you.