2 parties seek Comelec ruling on perforated sample ballots

CEBU, Philippines - At least two parties in Lapu-Lapu City - the Liberal and the Nationalist People's Coalition - have formally asked the Commission on Elections-Manila to have a definitive ruling over perforated sample ballots being used by certain candidates.

The two groups have accused the Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the city for using a scheme to buy votes by using sample ballots that bear the names of its slate from congressman to councillors.

In a separate press conference yesterday, NPC vice mayoralty candidate Rico Amores said his party has filed a complaint in Comelec-Manila seeking to have the sample ballot declared illegal.

Amores said his group has also asked the Comelec to issue corresponding rules and regulations or a resolution that will prohibit and disallow the scheme with appropriate criminal action.

There are red circles beside the names of administration candidates, indicating that it was a guide for voters to vote for candidates identified with the Radaza camp, led by incumbent Mayor Arturo Radaza who is running for congress.

The said sample ballot is folded piece of printed paper that wraps around the front and dorsal portions of the sample ballot.

"Obviously, the scheme employed by them is clear attempt to control, manipulate and temper with the freedom of voters to choose their own candidate," Amores said.

Liberal Party candidate for councilor Galicano Arriesgado Jr., on the other hand, said that as early as March 22, this year, barangay workers in barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, have been conducting voting drills that focus on the use of a folded card board of sort containing holes that correspond to the oval-shaped spaces opposite the names of the candidates printed on the official ballot which the voter is supposed to shade or blacken.

According to the report, the drill leader instructs the voters to return the folded card board to a designated person after voting.

"Certainly, the instruction begs the question why it should be returned if not for any purpose related to vote buying. Moreover, the folded card board - for being made at the instance of the administration candidates, with the apparent intention of distributing the same to pre-identified voters - is not just a mere guide or codigo," Arriesgado said.

Arriesgado and the LP party call on the Comelec to ban the use of these devices that directly impinge not only on the secrecy of votes but as well as the sanctity of the ballot.

Arriesgado said they already have several affidavits of voters to confirm the narration of the facts and complaints they are making.

Pressed for comment, the Radaza camp continues to be mum on the issue.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal has assured the party that the complaint will be acted upon without delay. (FREEMAN NEWS)