HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

RULES AT THE CLUSTERED PRECINT LEVEL I. Incapacity of a Regular Member

*Please refer to the attached Watcher’s Handout for a detailed -In case of sickness or serious injury, a medical certificate
discussion of the rules that will govern the proceedings at the duly issued by any government hospital, shall be required
clustered precinct level (Page 12) attesting to the incapacity of said Member.

CONSTITUTION AND COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD OF Upon submission of the medical certificate substitute shall be
CANVASSERS (BOC) appointed.

Q: Who are the members of the Board of Canvassers II. Absent Members and Feigned Illness
(BOC)?
If regular member is absent, the members present shall:
a. Municipal BOC ● Verify whether notice has been served on the absent
member
1. Chairperson - Municipal Election Officer
(Municipal EO) or a representative of the - In case no notice - notice shall be served to
Commission holding a permanent appointment; the absent member.
2. Vice Chairperson - Municipal Treasurer; and ● If absent member cannot be located or his/her
3. Member-Secretary - District School Supervisor whereabouts are unknown absent member shall be
substituted.
b. City BOC ● As soon as the absent member appears substitute
1. Chairperson - City Election Officer (City EO) or member's seat shall be relinquished in favor of the
a lawyer of the Commission holding a regular member of the BOC. (Sec. 12, ComRes
permanent appointment; 11102)
2. Vice-Chairperson - City Prosecutor;
3. Member-Secretary - Schools Division REMINDER! Any member of the BOC feigning illness in
Superintendent order to be substituted on election day until the
proclamation of the winning candidates shall be guilty
c. Provincial BOC - The PBOC shall be composed: of an election offense. (Sec. 16, ComRes 11102)

1. Chairperson - PES or a lawyer of the

Commission holding permanent appointment SUBSTITUTION
2. Vice Chairperson - Provincial Prosecutor
3. Member-Secretary - Schools Division SUBSTITUTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF
Superintendent THE BOC

COMELEC SUPERVISION AND CONTROL I. In case of nonavailability, absence, disqualification

due to relationship, or incapacity for any cause, the
The Commission shall have direct control and supervision following shall appoint the substitute:
over the BOC and may motu proprio relieve, for cause, at
any time, any member thereof and designate the substitute 1. The PES, for the CBOC and MBOC in the province;
2. The RED, for the PBOC in the region;
3. The RED of NCR, for the CBOC, and MBOC in the
REMINDER! QUORUM
region;
A majority of all members of the BOC shall constitute a 4. The RED of Region IX and Region XI for CBOC of
quorum for the transaction of its official business and Zamboanga City and Davao City, respectively;
5. The DEDO, for the RBOC in BARMM.
to render a decision. In no case shall the Chairperson
be absent. (Sec. 18, ComRes 11102) In case of substitution of the Chairperson of the R/P/D/CBOC,
an official or lawyer with permanent appointment of the
Commission shall be appointed.
DUTIES, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOC
In case of MBOC, a representative of the Commission holding
The BOC shall have full authority to maintain orderliness permanent appointment shall be appointed.

Further, BOC shall: Other members of the BOC, follow order of preference:

1. Canvass/consolidate the electronically transmitted In case of the PBOC:

results;
1. The Provincial Auditor;
2. Generate and print the Certificate of Canvass
2. The Register of Deeds;
(COC), Certificate of Canvass and Proclamation
3. The Clerk of Court nominated by the Executive
(COCP), and Statement of Votes (SOV);
Judge of the Regional Trial Court; and
3. Digitally sign the reports;
4. Any other available appointive provincial official.
4. Electronically transmit the results;
5. Proclaim the winning candidates; and
In case of the CBOC: the officials in the city corresponding
6. Perform such other functions as may be directed by
to those enumerated above.
the Commission. (Sec. 24, ComRes 11102)
Absence or disqualification of Vice-Chairperson of the
DISQUALIFICATION OF BOC MBOC:

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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

1. The Municipal Administrator; 2. No LGU employees shall be appointed or

2. The Municipal Assessor; designated as RCG.
3. The Clerk of Court of the Municipal Trial Court; or
4. Any other available appointive municipal officials. NOTE: In cities with more than 1 legislative district, 1 RCG for
every legislative district may be constituted.
In the case of the Member-Secretary of the MBOC, the District
Duties and Functions: Receives and safekeeps the ACM,
School Supervisor shall designate a substitute among the
Principals in the district following seniority in terms of rank. USB Device, or CDs of the CCS and other documents
(Sec. 4, ComRes 11102) intended for the BOC. (Sec. 9, ComRes 11102)

4. BOC SUPPORT STAFF

REMINDER! All appointments for substitution shall be
in writing, stating the reason/s for the substitution. Qualifications:

Within 24 hours from the issuance of the appointment, 1. Plantilla Casuals,

the issuing authority shall furnish copies of the 2. Contracts of service,
appointment to the ODEDO and to the appointee. (Sec.
4, ComRes 11102) 3. Job orders or Permanent employees
Disqualifications:
PERSONS WHO SHALL ASSIST THE BOARD 1. Employees of LGU regardless of the nature of
appointment
1. SECRETARY OF THE BOARD
2. Shall not be related within the 4th civil degree of
Qualifications: consanguinity or affinity to the Chairperson or any
member of the BOC, CCSO, RCG, or to any
1. District school supervisor, or
2. Next in rank Principal as substitute, and the candidate whose votes will be canvassed by the
3. Schools Division Superintendent, as the case may BOC.
be. Duties and Functions: Assist the BOC in the performance of
Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission. its duties. (Sec. 10, ComRes 11102)

Duties and Functions: Prepare the Minutes of Canvass by CANDIDATES, LAWYERS AND WATCHERS IN THE
recording the proceedings and such other incidents or matters CANVASSING VENUE
relevant to the canvass. (Sec. 6, ComRes 11102)
1. Right to be Present
2. CONSOLIDATION AND CANVASSING SYSTEM 2. Right to Counsel
OPERATORS (CCSO) 3. Right to observe the transmission, consolidation and
canvass of the ERs or COCs without touching the
Qualifications: CCS
4. Make observations thereon
1. Information technology-capable person 5. File their challenges in accordance with the rules
2. Designated by the Commission and regulations of the Commission
6. Entitled to Watchers
Disqualification: Must not be related within the 4th civil 7. Duty to Submit List of Counsel and Watchers (Sec.
26-27, ComRes 11102)
degree of consanguinity/affinity to any member of the BOC or
the Reception and Custody Group (RCG) or to any candidate COUNSELS V. WATCHERS
whose votes shall be canvassed by the BOC where the CCSO
is assigned.
COUNSELS WATCHERS
Duties and Functions: Assist the BOC in operating the
Consolidation and Canvassing System. (Sec. 8, ComRes ● Registered voter of
11102) the city or
● Member of the
municipality;
Philippine Bar in good
3. RECEPTION AND CUSTODY GROUP (RCG) ● Of good moral
standing;
character;
Qualifications: ● Has not been
● Not related within 4th convicted of an
civil degree of election offense or
1. Government appointive officials holding permanent consanguinity or
appointments other crime;
affinity the members of ● Knows how to read
2. Designated by the concerned Chairperson of the the BOC, CCSO, RCG and write Filipino,
BOC and support staff English or the
prevailing local
Disqualifications: NOTE: Lawyers/Legal language;
Counsels are not allowed to ● Not related within
1. Shall not be related within the 4th civil degree of enter the polling precinct at 4th civil degree of
consanguinity/affinity to each other or to the consanguinity or
all times.
Chairperson or any member of the BOC, CCSO, or affinity the members
to any candidates whose votes will be canvassed by of the BOC, CCSO,
RCG and support
the BOC.
staff;

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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

Not a barangay Composition of

official or tanod the BOC To the BOC or
Verified Petition directly with the
Proceedings of COMELEC
the BOC

The watchers shall have the right to:

1. Be present at, and take note of all the proceedings

of the BOC; If the petition is filed directly with the BOC,
2. Stay at the designated area; and
3. File a protest in writing, against any irregularity ● its decision may be appealed to the Commission
noted in the consolidation / canvass of the ERs / within three (3) days from receipt.
COCs and obtain from the BOC a resolution thereon However, if commenced directly with the Commission,
in writing.
● the verified petition shall be filed immediately when
PERSONS NOT ALLOWED IN THE CANVASSING VENUE the BOC begins to act illegally, or at the time of the
appointment of the member of the BOC whose
Unlawful for the following persons to: capacity to sit as such is objected to.

● enter the canvassing venue; or There shall be no pre-proclamation cases on issues/

● to stay within a radius of fifty (50) meters from such controversies relating to the generation/ printing,
canvassing venue. transmission, receipt and custody, and appreciation of ERs or
PERSONS NOT ALLOWED IN THE CANVASSING VENUE the COCs.(Sec. 29, ComRes 11102)

1. Any officer or member of the Armed Forces of the PROCEDURES FOR CANVASSING/CONSOLIDATION
Philippines;
2. Any officer or member of the Philippine National BEFORE the canvassing begins, the BOC shall observe the
following procedures:
Police;
3. Any peace officer or any armed or unarmed 1. Show to the public and the watchers present that the
persons belonging to an extra-legal police Consolidation and Canvassing System (CCS) box is sealed;
agency, special forces, strike forces, or Civilian 2. Remove the plastic seal of the CCS box;
Armed Force Geographical Units (CAFGU), or its 3. Open the CCS box;
equivalent; 4. Check whether the following are inside the CCS box:
4. Any barangay tanod or any member of barangay a. CCS laptop box, which contains:
self-defense units; i. Laptop;
5. Any member of the security or police ii. Secure Digital (SD) card (installed in the
organizations of government agencies, laptop);
commissions, councils, bureaus, offices, iii. Power cable of the laptop; and
instrumentalities, or government-owned or controlled iv. Electrical adaptor of the laptop.
corporations or their subsidiaries; or b. Resealable plastic pouch containing:
6. Any member of a privately-owned or operated i. Three (3) envelopes with label for each BOC
security, investigative, protective or intelligence member. Each envelope contains:
agency performing identical or similar functions.
1) One (1) Username;
However, the BOC may, whenever necessary, by majority 2) One (1) USB security token;
vote, direct in writing for the detail of policemen or peace 3) Two (2) passwords
officers 4) One (1) username Login User
● for their protection Password to enter the system; and
● for the protection of the machines, election 5) One (1) security Token Password.
documents and paraphernalia ii. USB modem with SIM card installed;
● for the maintenance of peace and order iii. USB extension cable;
in which case said policemen or peace officers, who shall be iv. Gender USB cable;
in proper uniform, shall stay outside the room but near v. Extra SIM Card;
enough to be easily called by the BOC at any time. (Sec. 29, vi. Three (3) CCS USB devices;
ComRes 11102) vii. Checklist of the contents of the box;
viii. Plastic Security Seal to secure the CCS box
ISSUES THAT MAY BE RAISED DURING THE after the election day; and
CONSOLIDATION/CANVASS ix. Memory card reader
c. Extension cord
ISSUE WHAT TO FILE WHERE TO FILE
d. Printer box containing:

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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

i. Printer
is deemed vacant
ii. Pre-installed toner;
iii. Power cable of the printer; and BEFORE elections Candidate who obtained the
iv. USB Cable to connect laptop and printer second highest number of
votes shall be proclaimed
e. Extra toner; and

f. Reams of paper (Sec. 32, ComRes 11002)

5. Retrieve the envelopes containing the system's username CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY HAS BEEN
CANCELLED OR DENIED DUE COURSE under Section
and password which shall be in the custody of the 1 (a) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11046 by a final and
Chairperson of the BOC, and the USB tokens for each executory Decision or Resolution (Sec. 34 (2), ComRes
Member of the BOC which shall be distributed among 11002)
themselves; and
TREATMENT OF VOTES Votes shall be considered
stray
6. Retrieve the CCS laptop from its box and place the CCS
laptop properly on top of the table. CANDIDATE TO BE Candidate who obtained the
PROCLAIMED second highest number of
IMMEDIATELY AFTER convening, the BOC shall undertake votes
the canvassing procedures hereto attached as Annex "D”
(Sec. 33, ComRes 11002):

1) Installation CERTIFICATE IS DECLARED AS A NUISANCE under

2) Initialization Section 1 (b) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11046 by a
final and executory Decision or Resolution (Sec. 34 (3, 4,
3) Monitor Transmission 5, 6), ComRes 11002)
a) Importing of Precinct Results from the ACM
in case of Non-Transmission
b) Importing of City/ Municipal Results to
DBOC/PBOC
4) Generation and Printing of Reports ● vote shall be added to
the legitimate
a) Generate and Print the Canvass Report candidate who shares
b) Generate and Print the Certificate of Canvass the same surname
(COC) SINGLE SLOT OFFICE
c) Transmission of Results
d) Generate and Print the Statement of Votes ● legitimate candidate
who garnered the
(SOV)
highest number of
e) Generation of Certificate of Canvass and votes shall be
Proclamation (COCP) proclaimed
f) Printing of Audit Log
g) Post-Printing Activities
h) Post-Election Report
i) Back-up creation and worming
SINGLE SLOT OFFICE ● votes cast for them shall
j) Shutting Down of the CCS (2 or more candidates NOT be considered as
having the same STRAY votes
PROCLAMATION OF WINNING CANDIDATES surnames; all
candidates, except 1 have ● vote shall be credited to
REMEMBER THE GENERAL RULE! A candidate who been declared as the lone remaining
obtained the highest number of votes shall be nuisance) legitimate candidate of
proclaimed by the BOC (Sec. 34, ComRes 11002) the same surname

EXCEPTIONS:

CANDIDATE HAS BEEN DISQUALIFIED under Section 1

(c) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11046 by a final and MULTI SLOT OFFICE ● added to the legitimate
executory Decision or Resolution (Sec. 34 (1), ComRes candidate who shares
11002) the same surname as the
nuisance candidate
AFTER elections ● Disqualified candidate
shall NOT be
proclaimed
● Rule on succession, if
allowed, shall be ● double voting = vote cast
observed MULTI SLOT OFFICE
in favor of the nuisance
● Rule on succession candidate shall be
NOT allowed, position

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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

considered stray MBOC/CBOC/DBOC 3 copies of the SOV by

precinct to be attached to
the COC intended:

• For the PBOC for use in

the canvass of election
● votes cast for the
SINGLE SLOT/ MULTI results for Senators,
nuisance candidate shall
SLOT OFFICE Members of the HOR, PL
be considered as stray
(2 or more candidate
votes and groups, elective
having the same
surnames as the parliamentary officials in
● shall not be credited to
nuisance) the BARMM;
any legitimate
candidate with the
• For the Commission; and
same surname
• For the Chairperson of
the BOC
SINGLE SLOT/ MULTI
SLOT OFFICE
(not the same surname as •votes cast for the nuisance
any legitimate candidate) candidate shall be PBOC/RBOC 3 copies of the SOV by
considered as stray votes precinct to be attached to
the COC intended:

• For the Commission;

FINAL AND EXECUTORY DECISION OR RESOLUTION • For the Chairperson of
(Sec. 34, ComRes 11002)
the BOC; and
DIVISION No Motion for
• For the Commission for
Reconsideration is filed
within five (5) calendar days use in the canvass of
from the promulgation of the election results for
Decision or Resolution Senators, Members of
the HOR, PL groups,
EN BANC No restraining order was
issued by the Supreme elective parliamentary
Court, within five (5) days officials in the BARMM
from receipt of the Decision
or Resolution
(Sec. 35, ComRes 11002)

SUBMISSION OF USB DEVICES

REMEMBER! Three (3) days before the convening of the
BOC, the Clerk of the Commission shall furnish the BOC The three (3) USB devices used to store and back-up the
concerned a list of final and executory case/s with municipal / city consolidated results shall also be:
restraining order. (Sec. 34, ComRes 11002)
1. Placed individually inside an envelope,
DECISION OR RESOLUTION WITH CERTIFICATE OF 2. Duly sealed, and
FINALITY 3. Submitted to the:
a. Congress,
In all instances where a Decision or Resolution of the b. Commission, and
Commission disqualifying a candidate or cancelling or c. One copy to be retained by the Chairperson of the
denying due course a certificate of candidacy is presented BOC. (Sec. 35, ComRes 11002)
before the Board of Canvassers, a Certificate of Finality
issued by the Clerk of the Commission must be attached to SIGNING AND SEALING OF COC AND STATEMENT OF
said Decision/ Resolution (Sec. 34, ComRes 11002) VOTES

The BOC shall proceed to proclaim the winner The COC and Statement of Votes shall be signed and
notwithstanding : thumb-marked by the following:
● Petition to Deny Due Course or Cancel a Certificate 1. Chairperson of the BOC;
of Candidacy, Declare a Nuisance Candidate, or for 2. Members of the BOC; and
Disqualification remains pending with the 3. The watchers, if available.
Commission on the day of canvassing AND
● No order of suspension of proclamation is issued Thereafter, all copies, with their respective supporting
(Sec. 34, ComRes 11002) documents, shall each be:

NUMBER OF COPIES OF THE STATEMENT OF VOTES 1. Sealed with a serially numbered paper seal (CEF No.
(SOV) TO BE PRINTED A12) and
2. Placed inside their corresponding envelopes.

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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

3. Each envelope shall likewise be sealed with a serially 1. Tampering, increase and/ or decrease of votes
numbered paper seal. (Sec. 35, ComRes 11002) perpetrated or the refusal to credit the correct votes
or to deduct tampered votes, is/are committed in:
ELECTION OFFENSES
• the election of a national elective office
Q: Who are liable for election offenses? • adversely affecting the results of the
election in such a way that the losing
A: ANY PERSON who:
candidate/s is/are made to appear the
1. Removes the Certificate of Canvass (COC) posted winner/s (Sec. 39(7.1), ComRes 11002)
on the wall, whether within or after the prescribed
forty-eight (48) hours of posting, or defaces the same 2. The tampering, increase and/ or decrease of votes
in any manner (Sec. 39(1), ComRes 11002) committed or the refusal to credit the correct votes or
to deduct tampered votes perpetrated is
2. Simulates an actual COC or Statement of Votes
(SOV), or a printed or digital copy hereof (Sec. 39(2), • accomplished in a single election document
ComRes 11002) or in the transposition of the figures/ results
from one (1) election document to another
3. Simulates the certification of COC or SOV (Sec.
39(3), ComRes 11002)
• involved in the said tampering increase
The CHAIRPERSON or ANY MEMBER of the BOC and/or decrease or refusal to credit correct votes or
who: deduct tampered votes exceed five thousand
(5,000) votes
1. Removes the COC from the wall on which they have
been posted other than for the purpose of • adversely affects the true results of the
immediately transferring them to a more suitable election
place, during the prescribed period of posting (Sec. • regardless of the elective office involved
39(4), ComRes 11002) (Sec. 39(7.2), ComRes 11002)
2. simulates or authenticates the COC or its
supporting SOV outside of the canvassing venue 3. Any and all other forms of tampering, increase and/
(Sec. 39(5), ComRes 11002) or decrease of votes perpetuated or in cases of
3. signs or authenticates a print which bears an image refusal to credit the correct votes or deduct the
different from the COC or SOV produced after tampered votes, where the total votes involved
canvassing and posted on the wall (Sec. 39(6), exceed ten thousand (10,000) votes. (Sec. 39(7.3),
ComRes 11002) ComRes 11002)

ANY PERSON or MEMBER of the BOC who:

REMINDER! Any and all other persons or individuals
1. tampers, increases, or decreases the votes determined to be in conspiracy or in connivance with the
received by a candidate in any election or (Sec. 39(7), Members of the BOC involved shall also be held liable for
ComRes 11002) Electoral Sabotage. (Sec. 39, ComRes 11002)

ANY MEMBER of the BOC who:

LOWERING OF THRESHOLD
1. refuses to credit the correct votes or deduct such
tampered votes after proper verification and hearing Upon motion by a party-in-interest to lower the threshold, and
(Sec. 39(7), ComRes 11002) with the concurrence of the majority of the BOC, the latter may
seek the approval of the Commission through the Regional
ELECTORAL SABOTAGE Election Director. In no case shall the result be lowered than
ninety percent (90%) of all the results. (Sec. 1, ComRes No.
● tampering, 11129)
● increase or decrease of votes, or
● the refusal to credit the correct votes and/or
CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES
● the refusal to deduct tampered votes are
(COMELEC RESOLUTION NO. 11101)
perpetrated on a large scale or in substantial numbers
CONTINGENCY PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE
REGIONAL/PROVINCIAL/DISTRICT/CITY/MUNICIPAL
BOC DURING THE CANVASSING
Q: What are the acts or offenses falling under the
category of Electoral Sabotage in any of the following Q: What are the Contingency Procedures Applicable to
instances?
the Regional/Provincial/District/City/Municipal BOC
A: during the Canvassing?

A: To request for the transfer of venue of the canvassing, one

must:

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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

iv. The CCSO shall connect the SD Card into the

1) Observe the following: contingency CCS power source and turn it on.
City/Municipal BOC 1) Notify in writing the PES v. The CCSO shall perform the procedure on
restoration as instructed by the NTSC.
2) PES shall approve the vi. The CCSO shall store the defective CCS
request upon
determination of the laptop in its original packaging and turnover the box to
validity of request the Chairperson of the BOC. (Sec. 10(a), ComRes
11101)
Provincial BOC, District RED shall approve the
BOC, City BOC in NCR, request
Davao City, Zamboanga Q: What is the contingency procedure when All/ Majority
City
of USB tokens are unavailable or defective?
RBOC Deputy Executive Director
A:
for Operations (DEDO)
shall approve the request
1. The CCS TS shall inform the NTSC of the missing or
defective USB tokens.
2) The approving authority shall report the approval to the
Command Center 2. The NTSC shall refer the matter to the PMO Director
who shall authorize the reconfiguration of the USB
3) Upon receipt of the approval, the Chairperson of the BOC
shall notify all political party representatives, citizens’ arms, 3. Upon approval, the NTSC shall assist the CCS TS in
the reconfiguration. The CCS TS shall report or
watchers and members of the EB, and other stakeholders, update the NTSC of the successful reconfiguration of
and cause the posting thereof in the original canvassing the USB tokens.
venue, bulletin boards of the ORED/OPES/OEO,
City/Municipal Hall concerned 4. The BOC shall indicate this matter in the Minutes.
(Sec. 10(b), ComRes 11101)
4) The BOC Chairperson shall conduct an inventory of all the
canvassing paraphernalia and documents, and record the Q: What is the contingency procedure when All/Majority
same in the Minutes. (Sec. 9, ComRes 11101) of the BOC PINs/Passwords are unavailable / rejected?

Q: What is the contingency procedure during the A:

1. The CCS TS shall inform the NTSC of the unavailable or
malfunctioning of Consolidation/Canvassing System
rejection of PINs and/or passwords.
(CCS)?
2. The NTSC shall recommend the issuance of replacement
A:
PINs and/or passwords to the PMO Director who shall
1) The BOC shall instruct the CCS Operator (CCSO) to restart authorize the issuance; replacement PINs and/or passwords
the CCS laptop to the BOC members.

2) If the problem persists, the CCS Technical Support (CCS 3. The NTSC shall issue to the BOC the replacement PINs
TS) shall call the NTSC to report the CCS malfunction and/or passwords.

3) Upon approval of request, the BOC Chairperson shall call 4. The BOC shall proceed to open the canvassing with the
the NTSC to report the CCS malfunction of the CCS and the use of the PINs and/or passwords issued by the NTSC with
approval of the request to replace the effective CCS. the assistance of the CCSO.

4) The BOC Chairperson shall invite watchers of political party 5. Thereafter, the CCS TS shall inform NTSC of the validity of
representatives, citizens’ arms, watchers and the member of the PINs/passwords provided and resumption of the
the EB, stakeholders and members of the PNP/AFP to canvassing.
accompany the CCSO in retrieving the contingency CCS
6. The BOC shall indicate this matter in the Minutes. (Sec.
laptop from the technical hub.
10(c), ComRes 11101)
5. The CCSO shall thereafter immediately bring the
Q: What is the contingency procedure when the SD card
contingency CCS laptop to replace the defective CCS laptop
is not available?
and perform the following procedures:
A:
i. Ensure that the main CCS laptop has been 1. The CCS TS shall inform NTSC about the matter.
turned off properly.
ii. Remove the SD Card from the defective CCS 2. The NTSC shall recommend to the MO director the
laptop. issuance of blank.
iii. The CCSO shall place the contingency CCS
3. Upon approval of release, the BOC Chairperson shall invite
laptop in the designated place in the canvassing venue.
watchers of political parties, citizens’ arms, and stakeholders
iv. The CCSO shall insert the SD Card into the
to accompany the CCSO in retrieving the blank SD Card from
contingency CCS laptop.
the technical hub.
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 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

4. Upon arrival at the canvassing venue, the CCS TS shall call envelope, retrieve the ACM Main USB device and
the NTSC for instructions to complete the process give the same to the CCSO who shall follow the
5. For record and monitoring purposes, the CCS TS shall procedures provided Article V, Sec. 8, (II) (M) (6) for
advise the NTSC on the successful resolution of the problem. the importing of precinct results from the ACM in case

6. The BOC shall indicate this matter in the Minutes. (Sec. of non- transmission.
10(d), ComRes 11101) 5. This opening shall be subject to the approval of the
Commission En Banc and proper notice to the
Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is a
failure to receive precinct level results by the concerned EB, City/ Municipal Treasurer, candidates,
CBOC/MBOC? watchers, all parties and stakeholders of the date and
time, to be determined by the BOC Chairperson.
A:
1. The COC/MBOC shall order the EB to bring the ACM 6. The BOC shall indicate this matter in the Minutes.
to the canvassing center. 7. The CCSO shall report this matter to the NTSC for
2. The BOC Chairperson shall require the EB to explain recording and monitoring purposes.
in writing the reason/s for non-transmission of
election results. The COC Chairperson shall ensure Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is a
that the EB complied with the printing of the audit log failure of the CBOC/ MBOC to transmit to the D/ PBOC?
and the execution of full backup procedure.
3. The BOC Chairperson shall direct the EB to retrieve A:
the Main USB device from the ACM and place the
same in an envelope and mark “not transmitted”. 1. The D/PBOC shall receive from the RCG an envelope
containing the USB flash drive labelled
4. The Reception and Custody Group (RCG) shall "NOT TRANSMITTED" for the city/
receive the envelope marked as “not transmitted” and municipality.
record the same in its log/record book an immediately
forward to the BOC. Thereafter, the CBOC/MBOC 2. The Chairperson of the BOC shall open said
shall open the said envelope, retrieve the ACM Main
envelope, retrieve the USB flash drive labelled "NOT
USB device and give the same to the CCSO who shall
follow the procedures provided in Sec. 33, III-A of TRANSMITTED" and give the same to the CCSO
COMELEC Reso. No. 107-31 for the importing of who shall follow the instructions Article V, Sec. 8, (II)
precinct results from ACM in case of non- (M) (6) on the Importing of City/ Municipal Results to
transmission.
DBOC / PBOC.
5. The BOC Chairperson shall coordinate with the 3. The D/PBOC shall record this matter in the Minutes.
Command Center for the reverse logistics of the 4. The CCS TS shall report this matter to the NTSC for
ACM. recording and monitoring purposes. (Sec. 10(g),
ComRes 11101)
6. The BOC shall indicate this mater in the Minutes.
(Sec. 10(e), ComRes 11101) Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is
power supply interruption [Brownout/ Blackout] in the
Q: What is the contingency procedure when the USB canvassing venue?
device was placed inside the ballot box and there is a
A:
need to retrieve the same for the following reasons: (1) 1. The BOC Chairperson shall inquire from the local
To comply with the submission of USB device to the electric provider the duration of the power
RCG; and (2) There was a failure to transmit by the EB interruption.
and the USB device is needed for manual uploading of 2. The BOC shall call the Command Center.
precinct results by the CBOC / MBOC. 3. The Command Center shall record the location and
ask the BOC to check if there is any available
A: generator set. In the absence of a generator set, the
BOC Chairperson shall exhaust all possible means to
1. The BOC Chairperson shall order the EB and the City/
secure one.
Municipal Treasurer to bring the ballot box to the BOC
4. The BOC Chairperson shall call the Command Center
for the purpose of retrieving the USB device.
indicating the status of the power supply.
2. The BOC shall require the EB to explain in writing the
5. The BOC shall record this matter in their Minutes.
reason for placing the USB device in the ballot box. (Sec. 10(i), ComRes 11101)
3. In the presence of the BOC, the EB shall retrieve the
Q: What is the contingency procedure when the hash
envelope of the USB device and turnover the same to
code of the CCS does not match the published hash
the RCG for proper recording. code based on the Final Trusted Build?
4. In the case of manual uploading, the RCG shall
A:
submit the envelope to the BOC Chairperson. 1. The CCS TS shall report the matter to the NTSC, which
Thereafter, the CBOC/ MBOC shall open the said shall authorize the deployment of the contingency CCS laptop
as replacement.
8
 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

2. Upon receipt of the CCS laptop replacement, the CCSO present of the transfer or suspension of canvassing, and then
shall proceed with the replacement procedures of the CCS proceed with security personnel to a safer place.
laptop.
2. If there is sufficient time, the CCS TS shall turn off the CCS
3. The BOC shall record this matter in their Minutes. (Sec. laptop by pressing the power button.
10(j), ComRes 11101)
3. The BOC shall report the same to Command Center.
Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is a
4. The BOC shall record this matter in the Minutes. (Sec.
network failure?
10(n), ComRes 11101)
A:
1. The CCS TS shall report the matter to the NTSC. The CCS Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is
TS shall perform the following procedures: sabotage, explosion, equipment robbery and other
similar circumstances?
i. Check the status of the network device;
ii. Unplug the network device, plug again, and test the A:
1. If required to leave the canvassing venue, the BOC shall
connection; and
secure all equipment, election forms and supplies, inform all
iii. If the CCS failed to connect, call the NTSC
political party representatives, citizens' arms and watchers
indicating the status of the CCS.
present of the transfer or suspension of canvassing, and then
2. The NTSC shall check the network status with the Network
proceed with security personnel to a safer place.
Providers and advise the CCS TS for action to be taken.
2. If there is sufficient time, the CCS TS shall turn off the CCS
3. If CCS is able to connect to the network, then no further
laptop by pressing the power button.
action is needed. If unable to connect, the network technician
shall check the network device and network availability with 3. The BOC shall report the same to Command Center.
the Provider.
4. The BOC shall record this matter in the Minutes. (Sec.
4. Once the connection is ready, the CCS TS shall call the 10(o), ComRes 11101)
NTSC indicating the status of the CCS.

5. The BOC shall record this matter in the Minutes. (Sec. Q: What is the contingency procedure when the CCS
10(k), ComRes 11101) laptop cannot initialize?

Q: What is the contingency procedure when the backup A:

creation and/ or worming backup has a problem?
1. CCS operator shall check if the CCS laptop is not zero
A: or contains data from the Pre-LAT.
1. The CCS TS shall try to solve the problem. If the problem 2. CCSO shall inform the NTSC thru the CCS
persists, CCS TS shall call the NTSC for assistance . Technician and shall request for the user credentials
2. The CCS TS shall report the successful creation of backup and procedures to perform rezeroing of the CCS.
to the NTSC. 3. Upon receipt of the same, CCS Operator shall
perform the rezeroing of the CCS and restart the
3. The BOC shall record this matter in the Minutes. (Sec. 10(l), same.
ComRes 11101) 4. BOC shall proceed to initialize the CCS.
5. BOC shall record this matter in the Minutes.
Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is a
printer problem? WARRANTLESS ARREST FOR VOTE-BUYING AND
VOTE-SELLING AND ASR
A: (COMELEC RESOLUTION NO. 11104)
1. The CCS TS shall try to solve the problem. If the problem
persists, CCS TS shall call the NTSC for assistance. Q: Who may perform a warrantless arrest for Vote-
Buying, Vote- Selling and ASR?
2. If the printer problem remains unresolved, the CCSO
A:
shall get the contingency printer from the technical hub, as
Any law enforcement officer
the case may be.

3. The CCS TS shall report the successful replacement of the Q: When may a warrantless arrest be performed?
printer to the NTSC. (Sec. 10(m), ComRes 11101) A:
When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has
Q: What is the contingency procedure when there is a
committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to commit:
catastrophe (fire, flood, earthquake, and others)?
1. The election offense of vote-buying and vote-selling, or
A:
1. If required to leave the canvassing venue, the BOC shall 2. acts constituting Abuse of State Resources (ASR).
secure all equipment, election forms and supplies, inform all
political party representatives, citizens' arms and watchers

9
 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

Q: Who may perform a warrantless arrest for other • Includes summary evaluation of respondent’s counter-
election offenses? (Not Vote-Buying, Vote-Selling, ASR) affidavit and evidence.
A: Any law enforcement officer or private person
Q: What are the remedies of an aggrieved party?
A:
Q: When may a warrantless arrest be performed for other
election offenses? 1. Motion for reconsideration. (Sec. 18)
A: • File within 15 days from receipt of prosecutor’s
resolution.
1. When, in his presence, the person to be arrested has
committed, is actually committing, or is attempting to • Motion to be assigned within 3 days; prosecutor
commit an offense; and resolves within 30 days.
2. When an offense has just been committed, and he has
probable cause to believe based on personal knowledge
of facts or circumstances that the person to be arrested 2. Petition for Review. (Sec. 19)
has committed it. (Rule 113 of the Rules of Court)
• Challenges resolutions of Prosecutor General, City,
Q: Can a person be arrested without warrant for Provincial, or Regional Prosecutor on preliminary
statements or activities supporting or opposing political investigation or reconsideration.
candidates or parties?
A: • Must include a motion to suspend proceedings if a
case is already filed in court.
No. Warrantless arrest is strictly prohibited for acts or
statements (speeches, online posts, campaign materials) • Note: Decisions by Prosecutor General/Regional
supporting or opposing any candidate or political party during Prosecutor on cases cognizable by first-level courts
the election period. (Section 266, OEC). are final (no further DOJ appeal).

3. Motion for Reconsideration on the Petition for Review

SEIZURE OF THE MONEY OR ANY OTHER GOODS OF
(Sec. 20)
VALUE, SAMPLE BALLOTS AND ANY OTHER
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS USED FOR VOTE-BUYING • File a verified motion 15 days from receipt of the
AND VOTE SELLING, AND ASR DOJ’s resolution.

OVERVIEW OF WARRANTLESS ARREST

Q: What is the procedure for the seizure of money or any
PROCEDURE DURING THE ELECTION DAY
other goods of value in relation to a warrantless arrest?
A: 1. Warrantless Arrest
The law enforcement officer who has the initial custody of the • Allowed only if in flagrante delicto or hot pursuit.
seized items shall:
1. Conduct the actual physical inventory; 2. Booking and Investigation at Police Station

2. Take photographs and properly mark the items seized or • Police bring arrested persons or persons under police
confiscated in the place where the arrest was conducted or in custody (PUPC) to the police station for booking
(investigation, fingerprints, preparation of an affidavit
the nearest police station or jail, in the presence of the of the complainant, preparation of evidence, etc.).
arrested person and other witnesses within the vicinity, who
shall be required to sign on the inventory; 3. Right to Counsel

• Police must ensure PUPC has a lawyer. If none,

3. The movement and custody of the seized items, from the
police must secure assistance from the Public
time of confiscation, to safekeeping and to submission to the Attorney’s Office (PAO).
investigating officer and presentation in court as evidence,
shall be properly recorded. • Counsel (PAO lawyer) explains cause of arrest,
rights, charge, and available options: undergo
2024 DOJ-NPS RULES ON PRELIMINARY preliminary investigation or not.
INVESTIGATIONS AND INQUEST PROCEEDINGS
(DOJ DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 015 SERIES OF 4. Inquest Procedure (with Prosecutor)
2024)
A. Initiation (Referral Letter)
Q: What is the quantum of evidence for preliminary
• Arresting party submits Referral Letter and evidence
investigations and inquest proceedings?
(affidavit of arrest, investigation report, complaint-
A:
affidavits, supporting documents) to prosecutor
within Article 125 RPC periods:
Prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction: o 12 hrs: crimes with light penalties (up to 30
• Higher standard than previous “probable cause” days imprisonment)
requirement. o 18 hrs: crimes with correctional penalties (1
month, 1 day to 6 yrs imprisonment; typical for
• Exists when evidence (testimonial, documentary, or election offenses, e.g. vote-buying)
physical), if uncontroverted, would establish all elements o 36 hrs: crimes with afflictive/capital penalties
of the crime, sufficient to support a conviction beyond (above 6 yrs imprisonment)
reasonable doubt.
B. Immediate Prosecutorial Review

10
 HANDOUT FOR LAWYERS

• Prosecutor immediately reviews: • Coordinate proactively with court personnel:

1. Validity of warrantless arrest (release if Identify and communicate early with the court (RTC
invalid) has jurisdiction over election offense under Section
2. Completeness of evidence (if incomplete 268 of the OEC);
and not timely corrected by arresting party • Prepare documents in advance:
within the applicable 12/18/36-hour periods, Keep required IDs, affidavits, and photos ready
immediately order release) beforehand to avoid delays.
3. If the warrantless arrest is valid and the • Monitor timelines strictly:
evidence is complete, the case is officially Immediately apply for bail upon filing of Information,
docketed for Inquest and assigned to an especially if Respondent declined PI, to minimize
Inquest Prosecutor. custody period.

C. Inquest Proper REMEMBER: From the moment of arrest or custodial

• Respondent must have legal counsel (PAO if none). investigation, the arrested person must immediately be
• Inquest Prosecutor clearly explains the charges and informed and afforded the following constitutional rights
right to Preliminary Investigation (PI):
(Section 12, Article III, 1987 Constitution): (a) right to remain
Option 1: Respondent Chooses PI silent; (b) right to have competent and independent counsel,
o Signs written waiver of Art. 125 RPC rights preferably of his/her own choice; (c) right to be provided with
(remains detained beyond 12/18/36 hrs counsel if he/she cannot afford one; and (d) right to be
during PI) informed that these rights cannot be waived unless the waiver
o Immediately may apply for bail, if bailable is in writing and executed in the presence of counsel.
o Submits counter-affidavit and evidence
o Prosecutor evaluates all evidence; files case
if evidence sufficient (reasonable certainty of
conviction), otherwise dismisses

Option 2: Respondent Declines PI

o Prosecutor immediately evaluates the case
based only on the complainant/police
evidence.
If evidence meets the standard (reasonable
certainty of conviction), prosecutor promptly
files the Information in court, and if the
offense is bailable, immediately makes a bail
recommendation. The respondent may then
post bail immediately.
If evidence is insufficient, prosecutor
immediately dismisses the complaint.

5. Bail Application

Common Bail Requirements (Documents to Prepare)

• Identification documents of arrested person
(Respondent):
o Government-issued ID (original &
photocopy)
• Information or Resolution indicating recommended
bail amount (from prosecutor)
• Cash or surety bond (preferably cash for immediate
posting)
• Certificate of Detention or any proof of current
custody (issued by detention facility)
• Barangay Certification of Residency (proof of
address/residency of respondent and/or
surety/bondsman)
• Valid ID of bondsman (original & photocopy; if surety
bond is used)
• Recent passport-sized photos (typically at least two
copies)
• Affidavit of Undertaking (required for surety bonds;
signed by surety/bondsman)

Practical Tips on Bail During Election Period:

• Prefer immediate bail filing in court:
Generally, do not waive Article 125. Allowing
immediate filing in court enables faster application
and quicker release.
• Cash bail is faster:
Keep sufficient cash available, especially during
weekends or election day, to expedite bail posting.

11
 WATCHER’S HANDOUT

MGA IMPORTANTENG OPISYAL MGA IMPORTANTENG LUGAR

Q: Sino-sino ang mga opisyal? Voting Center - madalas ito ay isang paaralan kung saan
ginaganap ang botohan. (Sec. 1(aa), ComRes 11076)
1. Electoral Board (EB) - nangangasiwa ng botohan.
Binubuo ng 3 miyembro: Accessible Polling Place (APP) - pwedeng bumoto ang mga
a. Chairperson senior citizens at PWD na nagpahayag na sila ay boboto sa
b. Poll Clerk APP. (Sec. 1(a), ComRes 11076)
c. Third Member (Sec. 3, ComRes
11076) Priority Polling Place (PPP) - ito ay nakalaan sa mga PWD,
senior citizen, at buntis na hindi inihayag na sila ay boboto sa
2. Election Officer (EO) - pinakamataas na opisyal ng APP. (Sec. 1(r), ComRes 11076)
COMELEC sa isang bayan o siyudad.
Canvassing Venue - dito naman isinasagawa ang pag-
3. Department of Education / Ministry of Basic, canvass ng boto at pag-proklama ng nanalong kandidato.
Higher, and Technical Education Supervising
Official (DESO) - nangangasiwa ng voting center. MGA BOTANTE
(Sec. 11, ComRes 11076)
Watcher’s Handout 1. Mga botanteng nasa EDCVL - maaaring makaboto
4. DESO Technical Support Staff (DESO-TSS) - nag-
aayos ng Automated Counting Machine (ACM) kapag Ngunit may mga botanteng kahit na nasa EDCVL ay
mayroong problemang teknikal. (Sec. 11, ComRes hindi makakaboto dahil sila ay “Manually-Crossed
11076) Out Voters”. Manually-Crossed Out Voters:
a. Pinag-utos ng korte na tanggalin sa listahan;
5. City or Municipal Board of Canvassers (C/MBOC) b. Mga overseas absentee voters;
- tumatanggap ng resulta ng botohan mula sa mga c. Lumipat ng registration;
presinto. d. Patay na;
e. Dalawa o higit pang beses nag-parehistro; o
MGA IMPORTANTENG KAGAMITAN f. Nag-avail ng local absentee voting. (Sec. 28,
ComRes 11076 as amended by ComRes
Automated Counting Machine (ACM) - ito ang makinang 11098)
ginagamit para:
2. Manually Included Voters - Hindi nakalagay ang
1. Magbilang ng boto; pangalan sa EDCVL pero papayagang bumoto dahil:
2. Mag-print ng voter’s receipt; a. Pinag-utos ng COMELEC o korte; (Sec. 2(H),
3. Mag-print ng election returns; at Art. II, ComRes 11100)
4. Mag-transmit ng resulta ng botohan. b. Members ng EB na piniling bumoto sa
(Sec. 1(c), ComRes 11076) presinto kung saan sila naka-assign;

Posted Computerized Voters’ List (PCVL) - listahan ng Q: Sino ang mga botante na maaaring magpatulong sa
mga botante na nakapaskil sa labas ng presinto. (Sec. 1(q), pag-shade ng balota?
ComRes 11076)
1. PWDs;
Election Day Computerized Voters’ List (EDCVL) - listahan 2. Senior citizens; at
na hawak ng EB. (Sec. 1(g), ComRes 11076) 3. Mga hindi marunong magbasa at sumulat o
illiterate (Sec. 37, ComRes 11076)
TANDAAN! DAPAT ANG MGA BOTANTE LANG NA Q: Sino-sino ang pwedeng tumulong sa kanila?
NASA EDCVL ANG MAAARING BUMOTO. (Sec. 28,
ComRes 11076) 1. Kamag-anak na hindi lalagpas sa 4th civil degree
sa kanilang tinutulungang botante (asawa, anak,
magulang, pamangkin, pinsang buo, apo)
MGA IMPORTANTENG DOKUMENTO 2. Kasama sa bahay (personal assistant, caregiver,
nurse); o
Initialization Report (IR) - piniprint bago magsimula ang 3. EB member (Sec. 37, ComRes 11076)
botohan. Dapat puro “zero” ang boto ng lahat ng kandidato.

Voter’s Receipt - resibo na lumalabas sa ACM matapos TANDAAN! ANG EB MEMBER LANG ANG MAAARING
tanggapin ang balota. (Sec. 1(z), ComRes 11076) TUMULONG SA PAG-SHADE NG BALOTA NG MAHIGIT
SA TATLONG BESES. (Sec. 37, ComRes 11076)
Election Returns (ER) - nilalaman nito ang resulta ng
botohan sa isang presinto. Q: Ano-ano ang mga sitwasyon kung saan maaaring
mag-shade ng balota ang EB?
Minutes – dito itinatala ng EB ang mga kaganapan sa 1. Ang EB ay botante rin sa presintong inyong
presinto tulad ng: binabantayan;(Sec. 4, ComRes 11076)
2. Ang EB ay hindi botante sa nasabing presinto pero
● Oras ng pagdating ng EB members at watchers; botante ng nakakasakop na munisipyo o siyudad;
● Oras ng pag-initialize ng ACM; (Sec. 4, ComRes 11076) at
● Mga iligal na botante, kung meron man; 3. Ang EB ay gumaganap na assistor sa PWD, senior
● Mga aberya sa presinto o ACM, kung magkaroon; citizen o illiterate voter. (Sec. 37, ComRes 11076)
● At iba pang mga mahahalagang pangyayari.

12
 WATCHER’S HANDOUT

Q: Tuwing kailan lamang pwede ilabas ang balota? 5. Siguruhing ang package ng balota ay selyado at
kailangan mo rin masaksihan ang pagtatanggal ng
1. Balota na dadalhin sa PPP - kung ang botante ay selyo ng ballot package.
mahihirapang pumunta sa presinto. 6. Ang mga sumusunod na insidente ay dapat mong
masaksihan na nire-record sa minutes:
Ipapaalam ito sa EB at ang support staff naman ay a. Misdelivered official ballots;
dadalhin ang balota sa botante na dapat ay nasa b. Kulang ang dami ng balota kumpara sa
PPP. bilang ng mga botante sa presinto;
c. Iba ang size ng mga balota o incompatible ito
May waiver na pipirmahan ang botante na ino- sa ACM;
authorize ang EB na magpasok ng balota sa ACM. d. May mga balota na iba ang ballot ID;
e. May mga missing items na dapat kasama ng
Matapos bumoto ay ibabalik ang balota sa loob ng ACM; at
presinto at ang EB ang magpapasok nito sa ACM f. Mga aberya sa presinto. (ComRes 11076,
para mabilang ang boto. (Sec. 57, ComRes 11076) ComRes 11101)

2. Kapag boboto ang mga PDL o Persons Deprived of PROSESO NG PAGBOTO

Liberty - Dadalhin sa PDL-SPP o Persons Deprived of
Liberty-Special Polling place ang kanilang balota. (Sec. 1. Lalapit ang botante sa EB at sasabihin ang pangalan,
74, ComRes 11076) precinct number at sequence number.
2. Titingnan ng EB kung ang pangalan ng botante ay
3. Kapag boboto ang mga IP o Indigenous People - nasa EDCVL at titingnan din kung may marka ng
Dadalhin sa IP-SVR o Indigenous People-Special indelible ink ang kuko ng botante.
Voting Room ang kanilang balota. (Sec. 89, ComRes 3. Kung walang marka ng indelible ink, ive-verify ng EB
11076) ang pagkakakilanlan ng botante at papipirmahin ang
botante sa EDCVL.
MGA KARAPATAN NG WATCHER 4. Ipapakita sa botante ng EB Chairperson na maayos
at malinis ang balota, ilalagay niya ito sa ballot
1. Makapasok sa presinto, saksihan ang mga secrecy folder at ibibigay sa botante kasama ang
kaganapan sa loob nito, at isulat ang mga marking pen.
obserbasyon. 5. Pupunta ang botante sa voting area at boboto ang
2. Maghain ng hamon o protesta laban sa iregularidad botante sa pamamagitan ng pag-fully shade ng bilog
na mapapansin. bago ang pangalan ng kandidato.
3. Makakuha ng sertipikasyon hinggil sa hamon o 6. Matapos mag-shade ang botante ay ipapasok ang
protesta at resolusyon ng EB tungkol dito. balota sa ACM, lalabas ang voter’s receipt at titignan
4. Basahin at kumuha ng picture ng ER. sa screen ang ballot image ng balota.
5. Magprotesta laban sa sinumang tao o botante na: 7. Susuriin ng botante ang voter’s receipt at ihuhulog ito
a. Bumoto kahit hindi rehistrado; sa nakatakdang lagayan. Ibabalik ng botante ang
b. Gumagamit ng pangalan ng iba; folder at marking pen sa EB.
c. Mayroong disqualification; 8. Maglalagay ng indelible ink sa kuko ng kanang
d. Nagbebenta o bumibili ng boto; hintuturo ng botante.
e. Nangi-impluwensya o nananakot ng mga 9. Lalabas ang botante sa polling place pagkatapos
botante para sila’y bumoto o ‘wag bumoto; at bumoto. (Sec. 45, ComRes 11076)
f. Nakikipag-pustahan tungkol sa resulta ng
eleksyon. (Sec. 16, 29 & 30, ComRes 11076) Q: Ano ang dapat gawin ng botante kapag may pagtutol
ito sa nilalaman ng kanyang voter’s receipt?
MGA BAGAY NA HINDI DAPAT GAWIN NG WATCHER
1. Dapat ipagbigay-alam ito ng botante sa EB;
1. Hadlangan ang proseso ng halalan. 2. Pipirma ang botante sa likod ng kanyang voter’s
2. Pasukin ang lugar na nakalaan para sa EB o sa mga receipt;
botante. 3. Ipatala sa minutes ang pagtutol; at
3. Makipag-usap sa mga botante sa oras ng botohan. 4. Dapat ikabit sa minutes ang voter’s receipt na may
4. Mang-istorbo, mag-ingay, o gumawa ng anumang pirma at dapat ay hindi na ito ihuhulog sa receptacle.
kaguluhan. (Sec. 45, ComRes 11076)
5. Magdala ng kahit anong klase ng armas (Sec. 16,
ComRes 11076) ANG BALOTA

MGA DAPAT GAWIN NG WATCHER SA ARAW NG Q: Ano ang mga posibleng dahilan kung bakit ayaw
HALALAN tumanggap ng balota ang ACM?

1. Dapat 4:00 AM pa lang ay nandun ka na sa Bibigyan ng EB ang botante

itinalagang presinto sa’yo. ng hanggang apat na beses
2. Ipakita ang iyong watcher’s ID at appointment bilang Misread Ballot para subukang ipasok ang
watcher at katunayan na isa kang botante. kanyang balota sa iba’t-
3. Ipatala ang pangalan at oras ng pagdating sa ibang orientation.
minutes.
4. Lumagda sa minutes upang maging ganap na Ang balota na may
watcher. Previously Read Ballot parehong ballot ID number
ay na-scan na. Ipapasok na

13
 WATCHER’S HANDOUT

1. Ise-set ng EB sa “close” ang ACM pagkatapos ay

lang ng EB ang balota sa
kusa itong magpi-print ng 9 na kopya ng election
Ballot Box.
returns.
Maaaring hindi tugma ang
I.D. No. ng balota sa ACM TANDAAN! MAHALAGANG MAKUHANAN NIYO
Invalid
ng presinto kung saan ito NG PICTURE ANG ISA SA UNANG SIYAM NA
pinapasok. KOPYA NG ELECTION RETURNS. DAHIL ITO
ANG ISE-SEND NIYO SA INYONG MGA
Ang mga security marks ay COORDINATORS/LIDER/HQ. (Sec. 16 (d),
Fake Ballot
hindi makikita sa balota. ComRes 11076)
(Sec. 46, ComRes 11076)
2. Pagkatapos mag-print ang unang 9 na kopya ng ERs,
Q: Ano ang dapat gawin kapag mangyari ito? ang EB ay pipirma at magta-thumbmark sa
certification portion ng lahat ng 9 na kopya ng ERs.
A: Ibabalik ng botante ang balota sa Chairperson.
Mamarkahan ni Chairperson ang likod ng balota ng 3. Pagkatapos nito ay agad agad ipapaskil ng EB ang
“REJECTED” at irerequire lahat ng EB na pumirma sa likod pang-siyam na kopya ng ER sa nakikitang bahagi sa
ng balota at ilalagay niya ang balota sa envelope ng labas ng presinto.
“REJECTED BALLOTS.”
4. Dapat din ay isa isang tiklupin ng EB ang ER.
Walang replacement ballot ang ibibigay sa botante maliban
lang kapag napatunayang wala siyang pagkakamali kaya 5. Ang unang walong kopya ng ERs ay dapat selyado
ayaw tanggapin ng ACM ang kanyang balota. Sa gamit ang serially numbered paper seals at dapat
pagkakataong ito, mamarkahan ang balota ng “REJECTED itong mailagay sa kanilang nararapat na envelopes.
WITH REPLACEMENT.” (Sec. 46, ComRes 11076)
6. Dapat pirmahan ng EB ang mga paper seals at
ILIGAL NA BOTANTE AT ILIGAL NA GAWAIN envelope. Pipirma rin sa paper seals at envelope ang
mga poll watchers at bibigyan ng prayoridad ang
Mga Iligal na Botante: dominant majority at minority parties, at accredited
citizen’s arms.
1. Hindi registered voter
2. Gumagamit ng pangalan ng iba 7. Isasaksak ang USB Modem at magtra-transmit ng
3. May disqualification (Sec. 29, ComRes 11076) resulta sa BOC. (Sec. 96, ComRes 11076 as
amended by ComRes 11098)
Mga Iligal na Gawain:
Q: Ano ang dapat gawin ng EB pagkatapos ma-print ang
1. Nagbebenta o bumibili ng boto; 30 copies ng election returns at statistical reports?
2. Nangi-impluwensiya o nananakot ng mga botante
para bumoto o wag bumoto; 1. Isasagawa ang ballot review;
3. Nakikipagpustahan sa magiging resulta ng 2. Ipi-print ang audit log report;
eleksyon (Sec. 30, ComRes 11076) 3. Isasagawa ang final back-up procedure.
4. Sisirain ang seal ng USB Device compartment,
bubuksan ang cover nito, tatanggalin ang main USB
TANDAAN! MAGHAIN NG PROTESTA KAPAG device mula sa ACM at ilalagay sa isang envelope.
NAKAKITA NG MGA ILIGAL NA BOTANTE O GAWAIN 5. Ilalagay ang initialization report, precinct statistical
(Sec. 16, ComRes 11076) report at audit logs sa kanilang nararapat na
envelopes.
CERTIFICATE OF CHALLENGE/PROTEST 6. Isha-shut down na ang ACM.
7. Ilalagay ang ACM sa ACM box;
Paggamit ng Certificate of Challenge/Protest 8. Itu-turn over ang ACM box, kasama ang mga AES-
1. Gamitin ang “Certificate of Challenge/Protest and related equipment sa EO upang i-verify ang mga ito
Decision of the Electoral Board” na nasa watcher’s gamit ang checklist. (Sec. 47, ComRes 11076 as
kit; amended by ComRes 11098)
2. Punan ang mga impormasyong kailangan. 4 NA
KOPYA ANG PUNAN; Q: Ano ang gagawin sa mga balotang hindi nagamit?
3. Ibigay sa EB ang mga kopya;
4. Kumuha ng 1 kopya ng Certificate na may pasya ng 1. Ire-record ng EB sa minutes kung ilang mga balota
EB. (Sec. 16, ComRes 11076) ang hindi nagamit.
2. Pupunitin ito sa gitna nang pahaba at ilalagay sa
magkahiwalay na envelopes ang dalawang bahagi ng
TANDAAN! WAG KALIMUTAN KUNIN ANG 1 KOPYA mga pinunit na mga balota.
NG CERTIFICATE NA MAY PASYA NG EB. (Certificate of 3. Ilalagay ang isang envelope sa loob ng ballot box
Challenge/Protest) habang ang isang envelope naman ay ibibigay sa
EO. (Sec. 95, ComRes 11076)
PAGTATAPOS NG BOTOHAN

Q: Ano ang mangyayari kapag tapos na ang botohan?

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 WATCHER’S HANDOUT

Q: Ano ang dapat gawin sa ACM, ballot box, election pinayagan ang pag-asiste nang higit sa tatlong (3) beses
returns at iba pang mga dokumento? (Section 37, ComRes 11076)

A: Pagkatapos ng bilangan ng boto at nai-announce na ang 6. Ayaw magbigay ng pangalawang balota matapos lumabas
resulta ng eleksyon sa presinto, gagawin ng EB ang mga sa screen na invalid ang unang balota at walang
sumusunod: kasalanan ang botante (Section 46, ComRes 11076)

1. Ilalagay sa loob ng ballot box ang mga sumusunod: 7. In-announce ng EB na:

a. Mga sealed envelopes na nilalaman ang: mga a. Ang isang botante ay nakaboto o hindi pa
ER; kopya ng minutes; kalahating bahagi ng mga nakaboto;
pinunit na balota at rejected ballots kung meron b. Numero ng botante na bumoto o hindi nakaboto;
man. c. Iba pang pangyayari na may posibilidad na ipakita
b. Voter’s Receipt receptacle ang estado ng botohan (Section 40, ComRes 11076)

2. Isasara ang flap ng ballot box gamit ang security seal. 8. Hindi pinapapasok ang opisyal na watcher sa loob ng
presinto (Section 16(a), ComRes 11076)
3. Ihahatid ang ballot box, kasama ang mga watcher, sa
city/municipal treasurer; 9. Hindi pinapakita na ang ballot box ay walang laman bago
magsimula ang botohan (Section 43(f)(2), ComRes
4. Ihahatid naman ng EB sa EO ang mga sumusunod: 11076)
a. Sealed envelope na naglalaman ng:
i. Kopya ng minutes na para sa commission; 10. Hindi sumusunod sa tamang pag-dispose o pagsira ng
ii. Kalahating bahagi ng mga pinunit na balota; mga sobrang balota (Section 95, ComRes 11076)
iii. Initialization report;
iv. Precinct audit log report; 11. Hindi inaaksyunan ang hamon o protesta (Section 29,
v. Precinct statistical report; ComRes 11076)
vi. ER na para sa Provincial Board of
Canvassers; 12. Hindi pinapayagan na i-verify ang boto sa voter’s receipt
vii. ER para sa Commission (Section 45, ComRes 11076)
b. EDCVL;
c. PCVL; 13. Hindi sinusunod ang proseso ng protesta sa nilalaman ng
d. Envelope na naglalaman ng Main USB device; at voter’s receipt (Section 45(c), ComRes 11076)
e. Iba pang mga papel at dokumento.
14. Hindi pinapayagan na ipasok ulit sa ACM ang rejected
5. Itu-turn over ang ACM box kasama ang mga AES- ballot (Section 46, ComRes 11076)
related equipment sa EO.
15. Hindi nag-print at/o nag-bigay ng kopya ng election returns
6. Ang EO o City/Municipal Treasurer ay ire-require ang at iba pang election forms (Section 96, ComRes 11076)
EB na hindi nakapagbigay ng election documents o
paraphernalia na agarang i-deliver ang mga ito at 16. Ayaw payagan na kuhanan ng litrato ang election returns
sabihan na kapag hindi niya ito nai-deliver ay maaari (Section 16(d), ComRes 11076)
itong maituring na election offense. (Sec. 97, 17. Ayaw ipaskil ang isang kopya ng election returns (Section
ComRes 11076 as amended by ComRes 11098) 96, ComRes 11076)

18. Ayaw payagan na kuhanan ng litrato ang mga balota sa

TANDAAN! SIGURADUHIN NA KUNAN NG LITRATO O screen ng ACM habang isinasagawa ang VVPAT vote
VIDEO ANG MGA KAGANAPAN SA PAGSASARA NG review (Section 16(d), ComRes 11076)
BOTOHAN.
19. Pinahintulutan ang presensya ng taong walang awtoridad,
PWEDE RIN KAYONG SUMAMA SA PAG-DELIVER NG armado, o pinagbabawal na tao sa loob ng presinto
MGA GAMIT SA CITY O MUNICIPAL TREASURER AT (Section 34, ComRes 11076)
SA ELECTION OFFICER. (Section 97, ComRes 11076)
20. Pinahintulutan ang botante na bumoto bilang illiterate o
PWD o senior citizen kahit na hindi ito nakatala sa EDCVL
MGA POSIBLENG PAGLABAG NG ELECTORAL BOARD (Section 37, ComRes 11076)

1. Hindi ipinapakita o ayaw ipakita na selyado pa ang 21. Tinatanggihan na ipadala ang resulta ng election (Section
lalagyan ng balota bago magsimula ang botohan (Section 47, ComRes 11076)
43(f)(3), ComRes 11076)
22. Hindi tinanggal ng ang Main USB device mula sa ACM na
2. Nilalagyan ng marka ang balota (Section 44(b)(2), ipapadala sa BOC (Section 47, ComRes 11076)
ComRes 11076)

3. Nagbibigay ng punit, may mantsa o may boto na na balota 23. Tinanggal ang backup storage device mula sa ACM
(Section 44(b)(2), ComRes 11076) (Section 47, ComRes 11076)

4. Pinapayagan na ilabas ang mga balota na walang sapat 24. Hindi pumapayag ang EB na kumuha ng litrato (Section
na basehan; 16(d), ComRes 11076)

5. Hinayaan ang hindi kwalipikado o hindi awtorisado na tao 25. Hindi kwalipikado ang EB member o siya ay na-
na mag-asiste sa illiterate, senior citizen o PWD o diskwalipika (Section 9 & 41, ComRes 11076)

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 WATCHER’S HANDOUT

5. Kapag masikip parin, bubuksan ang ballot box sa

presensya ng watcher para diinan ang laman sa loob
TANDAAN! KARAPATAN NIYONG I-PROTESTA ANG
MGA PAGLABAG. PUNAN ANG 4 NA KOPYA NG 6. Dapat ilagay ito sa Minutes
CERTIFICATE OF CHALLENGE/PROTEST NA 7. Siguruhin na napapanatili ng EB ang secrecy ng
NAKALAGAY SA INYONG WATCHER’S KIT. (Section balota (Sec. 32(f), ComRes 11076 and Sec. 8(II)(C),
16(e), ComRes 11076) Art. V, ComRes 11101)

Ayaw tumanggap ng balota ang ACM

MGA POSIBLENG ABERYA SA ARAW NG HALALAN
1. Lilinisin ng EB ang scanner
TANDAAN! KAPAG MAY ABERYA, DAPAT I-ANUNSYO 2. Kung ayaw parin tumanggap ng balota, susubukan
NG EB CHAIRPERSON KUNG ANO ANG ABERYA AT itong ayusin ng DESO-TSS
PAPAANO ITO AAYUSIN BAGO SIMULAN ANG PAG- 3. Kung patuloy parin ang pag reject ng ACM sa balota
AAYOS. DAPAT DIN ITONG ITALA SA MINUTES. kahit may assistance na ng NTSC, irerekomenda ng
NTSC sa PMO Director ang pagpapalit sa defective
na ACM;
Hindi gumagana ang ACM 4. Dapat ay i-record ito sa minutes;
5. Habang hinihintay na maayos o mapalitan ang ACM,
1. Dapat i-anunsyo ito ng EB chairman bago ito ayusin may dalawang choices ang botante:
o kumpunihin. a. Iwanan ang balota at i-waive ang kanyang
2. Susubukang ayusin ng DESO-TSS ang ACM. Kapag karapatan na mabigyan ng voter’s receipt at
hindi niya maresolve, irereport niya ito sa EO at NTSC ang EB na ang magpapasok ng balota sa
o National Technical Support Center. ACM; o
3. Ia-assist ng NTSC si DESO-TSS na i-troubleshoot b. Hintaying maayos o mapalitan ang ACM
ang ACM. bago bumoto. (Sec. 8(II)(D), Art. V, ComRes
4. Paglipas ng 1 oras at hindi parin na-resolve, ire- 11101)
recommend ni NTSC kay PMO (Project Management
Office) Director na magkaroon ng replacement at i-o- Hindi makapag-transmit ng resulta ang ACM
authorize si EO na mag-deploy ng contingency ACM.
5. Ang depektibong ACM ay kukunin ni EO at dadalhin 1. Susubukan itong ayusin ng DESO-TSS
sa technical hub para ma-repair.
2. Kung ang problema ay nasa transmission device o
6. Habang hinihintay na maayos o mapalitan ang ACM, yung USB modem, gagamitin ang transmission
may dalawang choices ang botante: device mula sa ibang presinto sa loob ng parehong
a) Pwede niyang iwanan ang balota at i-waive voting center
ang kanyang karapatan na mabigyan ng 3. Kapag hindi pa rin makapag transmit, ipri-print ng EB
voter’s receipt at ang EB na ang magpapasok ang 21 copies ng Ers at reports
ng balota sa ACM; o 4. Dadalhin ang ACM sa kalapit ng voting center kung
b) Pwede niyang hintaying maayos o mapalitan saan malakas ang signal (Sec. 8(II)(K), Art. V,
ang ACM bago bumoto. (Sec. 8(II)(A), Art. V, ComRes 11101)
ComRes 11101)

Ayaw gumana ng printer ng ACM TANDAAN! DAPAT DIN KAYONG SUMAMA SA PAG-
DALA NG ACM SA KALAPIT NA VOTING CENTER. (Sec.
1. Tatawagin ng EB and DESO-TSS 8(II)(K), Art. V, ComRes 11101)
2. Aayusin ng DESO-TSS ang printer
3. Kapag hindi pa rin maayos, irereport ng DESO-TSS Defective USB Device
ang problema sa NTSC
4. Kung hindi parin nareresolba, irerekomenda ng 1. Susubukang ayusin ng DESO-TSS ang USB Device
NTSC sa PMO Director ang pag deploy ng sa pamamagitan ng pag-troubleshoot gamit ang
contingency ACM (Sec. 8(II)(F), Art. V, ComRes ACM.
11101) 2. Kapag hindi naayos, papatayin ang ACM. Sa
ganitong pagkakataon maaaring i-authorize ng NTSC
Ballot Jam o naipit ang balota sa ACM ang EO na ipadala ang contingency USB Device.
3. Kapag parehong storage device ang depektibo, sa
1. Pipindutin ng EB ang ACM cover button at dahan- PMO Director dapat manggaling ang authority na
dahang huhugutin ang balota mula sa entry o exit slot palitan ang USB device. (Sec. 7(II)(B), Art. IV,
at isasara ang ACM cover ComRes 11101)
2. Kapag nakuha na ang balota, ibabalik ni EB ito sa
botante para ipasok ulit Nagkulang ang bilang ng mga balota sa presinto
3. Kapag ni-reject ang balota dahil ito ay nabasa na,
ipapasok nalang ang balota derecho sa butas ng 1. Ive-verify ng EB ang mga natitirang botante sa
ballot box (Sec. 8(II)(C), Art. V, ComRes 11101). EDCVL;
2. Pabobotohin ang mga nasabing botante sa ibang
Ballot Jam dahil masikip na ang ballot box presinto na mayroon pang balota. (Sec. 8(I)(B), Art.
V, ComRes 11101)
1. Tatanggalin ang ACM sa ballot box na hindi
tinatanggal ang ballot box cover
2. Ishe-shake ang ballot box para umayos ang laman at
magkaroon ng espasyo para sa mga balota

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 WATCHER’S HANDOUT

Walang DESO-TSS sa polling center na magre-repair ng 11. Pagkatapos ma-accomplish ang 10 balota ay ipri-print
ACM kapag nasira ito ng EB ang Election Return (ER).
12. Magkakaroon ng Manual Verification of Results.
1. Kapag absent ang technical support staff, magde- (Sec. 18, Art. IV, ComRes 11098)
designate ng substitute DESO-TSS ang EO (Sec. 8
(I)(J), Art. V, ComRes 11101)
Ano ang proseso at rules sa Manual Verification of
Kapag nag-brownout Results?

1. Sisiguruhin ng EB na naka-connect ang ACM sa 1. Isa-isang kukunin ng EB ang mga balota at babasahin
battery para maipagpatuloy ang botohan; ang pangalan ng kandidato ang posisyon ng binotong
2. Kapag hindi parin nagkaroon ng kuryente pagsapit ng kandidato.
5:00 PM, magbibigay ng contingency measures ang
2. Ia-accomplish ng EB ang manual ER.
EO.
3. Dapat matala ang mga pangyayaring ito sa minutes 3. Kapag may over-voting sa isang posisyon, dapat ay
(Sec. 8(II)(I), Art. V, ComRes 11101). hindi ito mabilang sa kahit kaninong kandidato sa
posisyon na iyon.
Emergency sa Voting Center 4. Irerecord ni poll clerk sa manual ER ang mga
binabasang pangalan at posisyon ng kandidatong
1. Isususpend ang botohan; binoto.
2. Kung kailangan umalis sa presinto, ise-secure ng EB 5. Ang boto ay irerecord gamit ang vertical line at
ang ACM at mga dokumento; pagdating ng ika-limang boto ay diagonal line naman
3. I-inform ang EB ang EO, watchers at political party
ang gagamitin.
representatives;
4. May security personnel na sisiguruhing ligtas ang 6. Pagkatapos ng 10 balota, aalamin ni poll clerk ang
lahat total number ng boto na nakuha ng bawat kandidato.
5. Dapat ilagay ni EB sa Minutes 7. Pipirmahan ng EB ang certification portion ng ER
6. (Sec. 8(I)(I), Art. V, ComRes 11101) mula sa ACM at manually prepared ER at VVPAT
audit report.
FINAL TESTING AND SEALING (FTS) 8. Ikukumpara ng EB ang mga resulta sa ER na galing
sa ACM, Manual ER at VVPAT Audit Report;
TANDAAN! MAY 02, 2025 HANGGANG MAY 07, 2025 9. Kapag parehas ang mga resulta gagawin ng EB ang
ANG MGA ARAW NG FTS.
re-zero procedure at papatayin ang ACM.
I-COORDINATE ITO SA INYONG 10. Kapag may pagkakaiba ang mga resulta, rereviewhin
COORDINATOR/LIDER (Sec. 17, Art. IV, ComRes 11076) ng EB ang mga balota at resibo, kung mayroon pa din
pagkakaiba ay tatawagin ang DESO-TSS na irereport
Ano ang purpose ng FTS? – Ite-test at seselyuhan ang ACM ang insidente sa NTSC.
na naka assign sa clustered precinct. 11. Kapag naresolba ang pagkakaiba ay gagawin na ng
EB ang re-zero procedure at papatayin ang ACM
Ano ang procedure sa FTS? 12. Ilalagay ang mga balota, VVPAT, ER mula sa ACM at
manually prepared, VVPAY Audit report sa envelope
1. Ipapaliwanag ng EB ang layunin at procedure ng na nakalaan. (Sec. 19, Art. IV, ComRes 11098)
FTS.
2. Kukunin at bubuksan ang ACM para masimulan na Ano ang dapat obserbahan sa pagtatapos ng FTS?
ang FTS.
3. Pipili ang EB ng sampung (10) tao bilang botante na
1. Ilalagay ang ACM sa loob ng ACM case at dapat ito
mag-accomplish ng mga balota.
ay SELYADO NG PLASTIC SECURITY SEAL. Ang
4. Kung mas kaunti sa sampung tao ang present ay
ACM box, ballot box, VVPAT receptacle at battery ay
maaaring mag-accomplish ng higit sa isang balota
iiwan sa loob ng polling place sa voting center.
ang isang botante para makumpleto ang sampung
2. Dapat gawin ng EB ang re-zero procedure. (Sec. 19,
balota.
Art. IV, ComRes 11098)
5. Ibibigay ni Chairperson ang balota na nakalagay sa
ballot secrecy folder at marking pen.
TANDAAN! KUMUHA NG PHOTOS OR VIDEOS NG
6. Ishe-shade ang balota.
MGA PANGYAYARI SA FTS (SEC. 16, ART. III, COMRES
7. Pagkatapos mag-shade, ibabalik ang balota kay 11076)
Chairperson.
8. Ie-examine ni Chairperson kung ang balota ay fully
shaded at ang security features (timing marks, QR
code, bar code) ay walang damage.
9. Ibabalik ni Chairperson ang balota kay botante at
ipapasok ng botante sa ACM ang kanyang balota.
10. May lalabas na VVPAT o voter’s receipt at dapat i-
verify ang mga binoto sa voter’s receipt bago ihulog
sa VVPAT receptacle.

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