/ AFP PHOTO / TED ALJIBE
COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez, in an interview with NET25’s Desisyon ng Bayan 2016 Special Coverage, said that voting hours may be extended when there are verified malfunctions of Vote Counting Machines (VCM) in polling precincts. Jimenez explained that malfunctions would have to be verified by their technicians and replaced if need be, a process will surely take some time thus the need for the extension of voting hours.
But Jimenez clarified that some reports of malfunctions are exaggerated. He assured that all voters arriving before the 5pm cut-off time will be accommodated.
On the other hand, when asked about the alleged ballots with pink markings, Jimenez said that voters can refuse ballots with such markings and have it replaced.
On reports of receipts contrary to the markings made on the ballot, the spokesperson said that he has not personally received any reports about it and would have to check with the COMELEC Command Center.
Jimenez also advised against disseminating information meant to scare the voters. “Huwag na linlangin ang mga tao. Hayaan ang mga tao na bumoto, huwag na takutin pa”, he said.
(With Ida Marie Canton)