Comelec: Torn sticker in ballot boxes ‘not ideal’ but possibly ‘accidental’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections over the weekend addressed queries on the torn seal in ballot boxes.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said he “really cannot say that broken seals in the ballot boxes are the norm.”

sticker may have torn during movemnt of the truck as the "lap,” or the torn edge, appears uneven. 1st check whethr or not the plastic seal was broken/tampered and/or replaced. We can check as the serial numbr of the plastic seal used is duly-recorded in the our dispatch records https://t.co/da52OSB1du

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) May 3, 2019

“The torn sticker is not ideal, obviously, but it is impossible to rule out accidental tearing,” Jimenez said on Twitter.

He was responding to former Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad who took to Twitter to report that the ballot boxes that arrived in Pasig City had seals that were broken. She attached a photo as proof and asked whether the broken seal on a ballot box is a norm.

Soledad also sought advice on what to do with the state of the box.

Her husband Roman Romulo is running for congressman in the same city.

READ: LIST: Local candidates for 2019 elections in Pasig City

In response to her query, Jimenez advised Soledad to check whether the plastic seal was broken, or tampered or replaced. He said the poll body can check the serial number of the plastic seal as it is duly recorded in their dispatch records.

Jimenez said official ballots received shall be verified and its quantity must be compared to the number indicated in the transmittal documents.

“Since each OB package is individually sealed, shrink-wrapped and plastic-strapped, check state of the packaging for signs of tampering,” he advised.

The Comelec official also did not rule out the possibility of “accidental tearing.”

“Sticker may have torn during movement of the truck as the 'lap,' or the torn edge, appears uneven,” he said.

sticker may have torn during movemnt of the truck as the "lap,” or the torn edge, appears uneven. 1st check whethr or not the plastic seal was broken/tampered and/or replaced. We can check as the serial numbr of the plastic seal used is duly-recorded in the our dispatch records https://t.co/da52OSB1du

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) May 3, 2019

Jimenez said ballot boxes are being delivered in batches ahead of the May 13 elections.

Earlier, the poll body urged the public to report illegal campaign materials and election rules violation online through #SumbongSaCOMELEC to ensure clean and fair elections. Verified violators of the election rules may face sanctions.