Comelec spokesman: Do not overvote in May polls

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez recently reminded voters to only vote for 12 senatorial candidates and one party-list group bet in the upcoming national elections in May.

Jimenez made the comment after some online users posted a mock campaign advertisement indicating the names of 14 pro-Duterte senatorial bets and two party-lists, respectively.

For the May 13 polls, only 12 seats in the Senate will be filled while voters can choose only one party-list.

“Mga Ka-DDS, ngayong election wag kalimutan: 14 SENATORS, 2 PARTYLISTS. Iboto lahat ng suportado kay Tatay Digong. Sa isang balota. Botohin silang lahat,” the online post read.

Mga Ka-DDS, ngayong election wag kalimutan:

14 SENATORS, 2 PARTYLISTS.

Iboto lahat ng suportado kay Tatay Digong. Sa isang balota. Botohin silang lahat. pic.twitter.com/YoAmYmM7P7

— alt sarah patatas ???????? (@lakwatsarah) February 3, 2019

Jimenez reiterated that voters should not vote for more.

“I understand it could be a campaign strategy or just good old-fashioned trolling, but don’t tell people to vote for more candidates than required,” the poll body spokesman said in a tweet.

“You can vote for 0 up to 12 Senatorial candidates, and 0 up to 1 Party-list group. You should not vote for more,” he added.

The spokesman said excess votes for the "overvoted position will be strayed."

"ALL the votes for the overvoted position are stray. Walang mabibilang. (Nothing will be counted) All other positions THAT HAVE NOT BEEN OVERVOTED will be counted accordingly," Jimenez said.

The national and local elections will be fully automated pursuant to Republic Act 9369 or the Election Automation Law.

Last week, the Comelec released the certified list of candidates for senators and party-lists. It only listed 63 senatorial bets and 134 party-lists.

The lists were updated last January 31 and February 1, respectively.