GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ELECTORAL

BOARDS AND BARANGAY BOARD OF

CANVASSERS FOR THE MAY 14, 2018 BARANGAY
AND SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN ELECTIONS
(COMELEC RES. NO. 10211)
Nature
Non-partisan
Conducted expeditiously and in an inexpensive manner

Supervision and Control

• COMELEC has FULL supervision and control
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Authority to Constitute and Appoint the Electoral Boards
Election Officer – Appointing officer for the Electoral Board

Composition of Electoral Board

1. Chairperson
2. Poll Clerk
3. Third Member

Right to Preference:
Election Officer chooses qualified public school teachers who are willing and available.
To ensure the protection of women EBs,
they may not be assigned in areas with:
•

security concern
far flung barangays
areas which are likely to cause gender-based violence or are likely to
result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm, difficulty or
suffering
THE ELECTORAL BOARD

Qualifications of Members:
a) Of good moral character and irreproachable reputation
b) Of known integrity and competence
c) A registered voter
d) Has never been convicted of any election offense or crime punishable by
more than six (6) months of imprisonment, or has no pending information for any
election offence filed against him or her; and
e) Able to speak and write Filipino, English or the local dialect
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Disqualification
Related within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity, or affinity to any member
of the same Electoral Board or to any candidate to be voted for in the polling
place of assignment or to the said candidate’s spouse.

Grounds to Appoint Qualified Substitutes

Lack of public school teachers
One or more public school teachers has or have been disqualified and no
other public school teachers are qualified.
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Substitutes: On-call on election day

Instances where a registered voter may be appointed as

substitute until regular members appears:

Considerable distance between the residence of the substitute and the polling
place
Lack or difficulty of means of transportation
Inability of the Electoral Board to inform EO of non-appearance of any of the
members
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Oath of the members
Take and sign an oath (CEF No. 5A) before the EO or any authorized officer.

Arrest of absent member

Members of the EB present may order the arrest of any member who has
absented with the intention of obstructing the performance of the duties of the
EB.
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Prohibition on partisan political activity
No member shall engage, directly or indirectly, in any partisan political activity.

Proceedings
Meeting shall be held at polling place designated by the Commission.
Shall act through its Chairperson without delay and by majority vote.
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Voting Privilege
May vote in the polling places where they are assigned on election day as
long as:
a) They are registered voters at the barangay where they are assigned.
b) If not registered, voting should be noted in the minutes.
c) They shall add in the EDCVL, their names and precinct numbers and the
place where they are registered.
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Voting Privilege
Any Electoral Board member except the Chairperson, not registered in the
barangay where they are assigned may vote in the polling place provided that:
a) Voting in their place of assignment is light.
b) Absence shall not be for more than 30 minutes.
c) Schedule the voting so that only 1 member shall leave at a given time.
d) Members are given priority in voting.
e) Voting privilege shall be noted in the Minutes.
THE ELECTORAL BOARD
Powers and Functions
Conduct the voting and counting of votes
Deputies of the Commission – supervision and control of the conduct of
elections
Maintain order in the polling place and its premises
Furnish watchers copies of the Certificate of Votes
Perform other functions
HONORARIA, ALLOWANCES, SERVICE
CREDITS AND OTHER BENEFITS
HONORARIA

Chairperson of the Electoral Board P6,000.00

Member of the Electoral Board P5,000.00

DESO P4,000.00

Support Staff P2,000.00

HONORARIA, ALLOWANCES, SERVICE
CREDITS AND OTHER BENEFITS
OTHER BENEFITS

Travel Allowance Php 1,000

Service Credit Minimum of 5 days

Death benefits Php 500,000.00

Medical Assistance Php 200,000.00

Legal Indemnification Package Php 50,000.00

WATCHERS
WATCHERS
One official watcher can be assigned in every polling place for:
Every candidate for Barangay and SK elections
Duly accredited citizens’ arms
Other civic or simlar organization with prior authority of the Commission
WATCHERS
Qualifications
Registered voter of the barangay or member of Katipunan ng Kabataan
Of good reputation
Not been convicted by final judgment of any election offense
Knows how to read and write Filipino, English or any prevailing local dialect
Not related within the 4th degree of consanguinity or affinity to any of the
Electoral Board
WATCHERS
Rights
 Stay in the reserved space inside the polling place
 Witness the proceedings of the EB
 Take notes
 Take photographs
 File protest
 Obtain a copy of certificate of filing protest
 Unimpeded view
 Furnished with Certificates of Votes
WATCHERS
Duties
Present his/her sworn appointment to Electoral Board Chairperson
Not speak to any EB members, voter, or among themselves, in a manner that
would disturb the EB proceedings
 FORMS,
DOCUMENTS AND
SUPPLIES
EB members shall get the forms, documents and supplies early in the morning of election day
from the office of the City/Municipal Treasurer.
GUIDELINES to request for early delivery of
election forms, documents and supplies:
a) There is considerable distance between the office of the City/Municipal
Treasurer and the location of the polling place;
b) There is lack or difficulty of means of transportation in the area;
c) If the delivery of official ballots, ERs, other election forms and paraphernalia
is done early-in the morning of election day, not all the Electoral Board
members may be able to receive said documents and paraphernalia in time
for the opening of polls at 7:00 AM; or
d) That the peace and order condition in the area, justify such advance
delivery.
NOTES
Provincial Election Supervisor (PES)makes a corresponding report on
approved request/s for early delivery to Regional Election Director (RED).

RED transmits the consolidated report to the Office of the Deputy Executive
Director for Operations (ODEDO). The RED- NCR shall directly submit the report to
ODEDO.

The EB members shall check the completeness of documents and the

quantities of the forms and supplies received.

EB members signs Certificate of Receipt

EB members call the attention of the EO or the City/Municipal Treasurer, as

the case maybe, on any deficiency or shortage thereof.
 EB members shall receive from EO the
following:
a) One (1) copy of the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List (EDCVL) for
Barangay voters;
b) One copy of EDCVL for SK voters.
c) Two (2) copies of the Posted Computerize Voters’ List (PCVL) for
Barangay voters;
d) Two (2) copies of the PCVL for SK voters; and
e) Canvassing Forms.

Poll clerk shall have custody of the EDCVLs

Third Member shall have custody of one (1) copy of PCVL.
Other copy of PCVL shall be posted at the door of the polling place.
Forms that may be reproduced:

a) Temporary Appointment of Chairperson, Poll Clerk/Member

b) Certificate of Challenge or Protest and Decision of the Electoral Board
c) Oath of Voter Challenged for Illegal Acts
d) Oath of Identification of Challenges Voter
MINUTES OF VOTING AND COUNTING OF
VOTES
Accomplished in 2 copies
Copies shall be signed and sealed in separate envelopes

DISTRIBUTION OF THE MINUTES OF VOTING

Copy for the Commission shall be delivered to the EO
Copy intended for the ballot box shall be deposited inside the ballot box
CASTING OF VOTES
ELECTION DAY
May 14, 2018

WHO ARE ALLOWED TO VOTE

Registered voters of the precinct:
 Whose names appear in the PCVL and EDVCL for the
Barangay and/or SK levels
 Electoral Board members entitled to avail of voting privilege
VOTING HOURS
7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

At 3:00 PM, voters within thirty (30) meters in front of the polling
place, who have not yet cast their votes, shall be allowed to vote
without interruption.

Poll Clerk shall list the names of voters and consecutively number
them.

Voters listed shall be called to vote by the Poll Clerk by announcing

each name 3 times.

List shall be submitted to the EO.

PRELIMINARIES TO THE VOTING
The Electoral Board Members shall:
1. See to it that that they have all the election forms, documents and supplies
needed.
2. Post one (1) copy each of the PCVL for Barangay voters and SK voters
outside the polling place.
3. Display the poster indicating the precinct number and location of the polling
place (CE Form No. 3) near or at the door of the polling place.
4. Set-up or arrange the polling place.
5. Staple or paste the Certified Lists of Candidates for the Barangay and SK
positions in the ballot secrecy folders or desks/chairs/tables; and
6. Place the ballot secrecy folders on top of the desks/chairs/tables.
PRELIMINARIES TO THE VOTING…
Before the start of the voting, the Electoral Board
Chairperson shall:

1. Open the ballot box, empty both compartments and show to the
public that it is empty.
2. Show to the public and to the watchers present, the package of
ballots.
3. Enters in the Minutes the number of pads and serial numbers of
the ballots in each pad.
RULES TO BE OBSERVED DURING
THE VOTING
a) The voters shall vote in the order of their arrival
b) No watcher enters the places reserved for the voters and the
Electoral Board, nor mingle and talk with the voters;
c) No person carrying firearm or other deadly weapon enters the
polling place;
d) No crowding of voters and disorderly behavior inside the polling
place.
e) The interior cover of the ballot box shall remain locked until the
voting is finished and the counting begins.
NOTE:

When it becomes necessary to make room for more ballots, the

Chairperson, may, in the presence of watchers, open the box, press
down the ballots without removing them. After which, close and lock the
interior cover of the box
PROHIBITION ON VOTING
a) Bring the ballot and/or the ballot secrecy folder outside the polling
place, EXCEPT: voting involving PWDs, SCs, pregnant women
and Detainee Voters
b) Speak with anyone while inside the polling place
c) Prepare the ballot without using a ballot secrecy folder or exhibit
its contents to any person, except in cases of assisted voting
d) Erase any printing from the ballot or place any distinguishing mark
thereon
PROHIBITION ON VOTING
e) Use carbon paper, paraffin paper or other means of making a copy of
the contents of the ballot, or use scheme to identify the vote, like the
use of digital cameras, cellular phones or similar gadgets
f) Intentionally tear or deface the ballot
g) Disrupt or attempt to disrupt the proceedings
PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE THE
POLLING PLACE
a) Electoral Board Members
b) Watchers
c) Voters casting their votes
d) Voters waiting for their turn to vote
e) Voters waiting for their turn to get their ballots
f) Others authorized by the Commission
PERSONS NOT ALLOWED IN AND AROUND
THE POLLING PLACE
 Any officer or member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the
Philippine National Police (PNP)
 Any peace officer or armed person belonging to any extra-legal
police and the like
 Unarmed extra legal police forces
 Incumbent barangay officials

1) EB members, by majority vote, if it deems necessary, may order in

writing the detail of a PNP or AFP personnel for their protection or
the protection of the election documents and paraphernalia. Order
shall be entered in the Minutes.
AUTHENTICATION OF THE BALLOT
The Electoral Board Chairperson sahll affix his/her signature at the
back of the ballot before giving it to the voter.

Failure to authenticate shall be noted in the Minutes and shall

constitute ELECTION OFFENSE but will not invalidate the ballot.

In no case shall the Chairperson pre-sign at the back of the ballot.

ORDER OF VOTING
Votersshall fall in line in the order of their arrival in the polling place
and cast their votes in the same order.
MANNER OF OBTAINING THE BALLOTS
VOTER
 The voter shall look for their name in the PCVLs posted
 Approach the Third Member who shall ask the voter’s information.

THIRD MEMBER
 Verify if the name of the voter is in the PCVL-Barangay and/or
PCVL-SK.
 If voter’s name is found, check the fingernails for any indelible ink
stain.
 Establish the identity of the voter.
MANNER OF OBTAINING THE BALLOTS
CHAIRPERSON
Announces the name, precinct number and SN of the Barangay ballot
and/or SK ballot to be issued to the voter.

Poll Clerk
Enters the same in the space labeled “Ballot SN” beside the name of the
voter in the EDCVL for barangay or SK.

CHAIRPERSON
Authenticate the ballot/s by affixing the signature at the back thereof.
Affix signature in the EDCVL.
Fold the ballot/s in such a manner that its face, except the
portion where the SN appears, is covered.
MANNER OF OBTAINING THE BALLOTS
iv. Ask the voter to affix his/her signature in the EDCVL.

v. Give the ballot/s to the voter.

NOTE:
Only the Chairperson shall issue the ballot and not more than one (1)
ballot shall be issued at one time except, in cases where the voter is
both Barangay/SK voter.
MANNER OF OBTAINING THE BALLOTS
B.
C. CHAIRPERSON explains to any voter under 18-30 years old, who
refuses to accept any of the two (2) ballots (either for SK or for
Barangay), that he/she shall hold the two ballots and accomplish the
ballot for the election he/she wishes to participate.

Unaccomplished Ballots

With the presence of the concerned voter, the Chairperson shall

announce the fact of refusal, mark the ballot as “abstained” and deposit
the same in the compartment for spoiled ballots.

The incident and the SN of the ballot shall be recorded in the Minutes.
MANNER OF VOTING
 Voter shall, using a secrecy folder

 Write in the corresponding spaces in the ballot, the names

of the individual candidates voted for.
ACCOMPLISHMENT OF BALLOTS FOR
ILLITERATE, PWDs or SENIOR CITIZENS (SCs)
May be assisted by any of the following:
 Relative within the fourth (4th) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity
a)
 Person of the voter’s confidence who belongs to the same
household as that of the voter

 Any Electoral Board members

NOTE:
ALL assistors must be of voting age.
IMPORTANT RULES:
• No person, except the EB members, may assist an illiterate, PWD, or SC more
than 3 times.
• Poll Clerk shall first verify whether the assistor is authorized to help in filling-
up the ballot.
• Assistor shall be bound in writing and under oath to fill-up the ballot/s strictly in
accordance with the instruction of the voter and not to reveal the contents, by
affixing signature on the appropriate space in the Minutes.

• For this purpose, EDCVL shall bear the following markings:

*- 18-30 years old B- PWD
A- Illiterate C- SC
ACCESSIBLE POLLING PLACES (APPs)
PWDs, SCs and heavily pregnant women shall vote in Accessible Polling
Places pursuant to the provision of Resolution No. 9763 (IRR of RA
No. 10366)

EXPRESS LANE
Afforded the right are:

PWDs
Senior Citizens
Heavily pregnant women
Members of the Electoral Board
 SPOILED BALLOTS
 Must be surrendered by the voter in the same way when it was issued.

 The EB Chairperson shall write the word “spoiled” beside the ballot SN previously
recorded in the EDVCL.

 Ballot shall be marked with the word “spoiled”, signed by the EB Chairperson at the back
and deposit in the compartment for spoiled ballots of the ballot box.

 The EB Chairperson shall give the voter a second authenticated ballot after announcing
its SN, with the Poll Clerk recording the same in the EDCVL, except:

 When voter returns a ballot with SN different from that entered in the EDCVL (Sec. 41, b
(ii), GI
 When voter refuses to have his/her fingernail stained with indelible ink (Sec. 41, f)
PROCEDURES AFTER VOTING
a) Voter folds the ballot/s in the same manner as it was received;

b) Proceed to Poll Clerk to verify the ballot/s

c) If the SN/s of the ballot/s returned to the Poll Clerk is the same as
that recorded in the EDCVL, voter affixes thumbmark in the ballot
coupon/s,

d) Return ballot to Poll Clerk

e) If SN/s does not coincide with the SN/s in the EDCVL, ballot shall be
considered “SPOILED.”
PROCEDURES AFTER VOTING
d) Poll Clerk shall apply indelible ink at right forefinger nail of the voter.

e) Chairperson shall detach the ballot coupon/s in the presence of the

voter and deposit the folded ballot/s in the compartment of the ballot
box for valid ballots, detached coupon/s in the compartment for
spoiled ballots.

f) If voter refuses to have the fingernail stained with indelible ink, voter
shall be informed that such refusal render the ballot/s spoiled.

The EB shall ensure that EDCVL is properly accomplished.

Failure to do the same shall be a ground for the filing of

administrative case against the erring EB members.
CHALLENGE AGAINST ILLEGAL VOTERS
GROUNDS:
 not registered
 using the name of another
 suffering from existing disqualification
 double/multiple registrant

EB shall satisfy itself whether the ground for challenge is true

by requiring proof of registration, identity or qualification.

Failure to present an authentic identification document when challenged

shall not preclude the voter form voting if identified under oath by:
Any EB member
Another registered voter of the same barangay
CHALLENGE BASED ON CERTAIN ILLEGAL ACTS
GROUNDS:

Voter received or expected to receive, paid, offered or promised to pay,

contributed, offered or promised to contribute money or anything of value
in consideration for his vote or for the vote of another.

Voter made or received a promise to influence the giving or withholding of

any such vote.

Voter made a bet or is interested directly or indirectly in a bet which

depends upon the results of the election.
RULES ON CHALLENGE PERSON

The challenged person shall take an oath before the EB that he/she has not
committed any of the acts alleged in the challenge.

Upon taking such oath, the challenge shall be dismissed and the voter shall be
allowed to vote.

In case the voter refuses to take such oath, the challenge shall be sustained
and the voter shall not be allowed to vote.
RECORDS OF CHALLENGES, OATHS AND
RESOLUTIONS
 The Poll Clerk shall record in Part E of the Minutes, all
challenges and oaths taken.

 Copies of the challenges, oaths and resolutions shall be

attached to the copy of the Minutes.
DISPOSITION OF THE UNUSED BALLOTS AT THE
END OF VOTING HOURS
-The Chairperson shall count while the Poll Clerk shall record
in the Minutes the quantity of unused ballots and their SNs.

-Tear the unused ballots lengthwise in half, without removing

the stubs and detachable coupon.

-First half torn shall be placed in the proper envelope, sealed

and submitted to EO

Second half torn shall be place in the proper envelope, sealed

and deposited in the compartment for spoiled ballots.
PROHIBITION AGAINST PREMATURE ANNOUNCEMENT
OF VOTING
Before the termination of the voting, no EB members shall make
any announcement as to:

-whether a certain registered voter has already voted

-how many have already voted
-how many so far have failed to vote
-or any other fact tending to show or showing the state of the
polls
-nor shall make any statement at any time, except as a witness
before a court or body.
COUNTING OF VOTES
COUNTING OF VOTES
Public and without interruption
EB may re-arrange the physical set-up of polling place for
orderly counting
EB shall not adjourn or postpone or delay the count until fully
completed unless ordered by the Commission

Note: Ballot box, all election documents and paraphernalia- within

close view of the watchers and the public.

Violation of the foregoing – constitutes an ELECTION OFFENSE

TRANSFER OF COUNTING OF VOTES
• Commission through EO may authorize EB to count the votes in any
other place within a public building in the same municipality or city on
account of imminent danger of widespread violence or similar causes.

• Recommended in writing by unanimous vote of EB and endorsed by

majority of watchers.

• Building shall not be located within the perimeter of or inside of a

military or police camp, etc.

• Any transfer of venue for the counting of votes shall be recorded in the
Minutes.
PRELIMINARIES BEFORE COUNTING OF
VOTES
Votes cast in the clustered precinct

Examine the
ballots to Place and lock
Segregate the
determine for: SK ballots inside
Unlock the ballots cast for
 Excess the ballot box
padlock, open barangay
 Ballots with then count the
ballot box, take elections from
detachable ballots cast for
out the ballots those cast for
coupons barangay
the SK elections
 Spoiled election
 Marked
MANNER OF COUNTING OF VOTES
Electoral Board unfold ballots
Pile 100 ballots each, held by rubber
band
Chairperson open ballots one by one
and read the names of the candidates voted for
Poll clerk to accomplish ER
Third member to accomplish tally board
MANNER OF COUNTING OF VOTES
• Each vote for a candidate shall be recorded by a vertical
line, except every fifth vote for the same candidate, which
shall be recorded by a diagonal line crossing the previous 4
lines
• After all ballots have been read, EB shall record in words
and figures the total votes obtained by each candidate
• Counted ballots shall be placed in envelope, signed and
sealed
• Deposit the envelope and tally board in the compartment
for valid ballots
• Announce the result of elections of barangay officials in the
precinct
MANNER OF COUNTING OF VOTES (SK)
• Unlock the padlock of the ballot box and take out the ballots
for SK elections
• Place the accomplished barangay ERs and tally board
inside the ballot box then lock the box
• Proceed with the counting of the votes cast for SK elections
• Announce the results and safekeeping of ERs and tally
board
RULES ON APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN ON THE DISPOSITION
BALLOT
Only first name or surname of candidate, with Vote is valid in favor of the candidate.
no other candidate with the same first name or
surname for the same office.

Where only the first name of a candidate which The vote shall be counted in favor of the
when read has a sound similar to the surname candidate with such surname.
of another candidate.

If there are 2 or more candidates with the same The vote shall be in favor of the incumbent.
full name, first name or surname and one of
them is incumbent, and written is only full
name, first name or surname.
If woman candidate uses her maiden or A ballot bearing only such surname shall be
married surname or both and there is another counted in favor of the incumbent candidate.
candidate with the same surname.
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
When two or more words are written on the Not counted for any of them unless one is a
same line on the ballot, all of which are surname of an incumbent who has served for
surnames of two or more candidates. at least 1 year, it will be counted in favor of the
latter.
When two or more words are written on The vote shall be counted in favor of all the
different lines on the ballot, all of which are candidates bearing the surname.
surnames of two or more candidates bearing
the same surname for an office which the law
authorizes the election of more than one and
there are the same number of such surnames
written as there are candidates with that
surname.
The ballot is written a single word, which is the The vote shall be counted in favor of the latter.
first name of a candidate and surname of his
opponent.
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
When 2 words are written on the ballot, 1 is the The vote shall not be counted for either one.
first name of a candidate and the other is the
surname of his opponent.

A name or surname incorrectly written, which The vote shall be counted in favor of such
when read, has a sound similar to the name or candidate.
surname of a candidate when correctly written.

When a name of a candidate appears in a The vote will be counted in his favor for which
space of the ballot for an office for which he is he is a candidate and the vote for the office for
a candidate and in another space for which he which he is not a candidate shall be considered
is not a candidate. as stray.
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
When in a space in the ballot there appears a The vote is valid for the latter.
name of a candidate that is erased and another
clearly written.

Erroneous initial of the first name with the Shall not annul the vote in favor of the latter.
correct surname of a candidate, erroneous
initial of the surname with the correct first name
of a candidate or the erroneous middle initial of
the candidate.

There exists another person who is not a Shall not prevent the adjudication of the vote of
candidate with the first name or surname of a the latter.
candidate.
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
Wth prefixes such as: Votes are valid
Sir, Mr. Datu, Don, Ginoo, Hon., Gob.

Suffixes: Hijo, Jr., Segundo

With nicknames or appellations of affection, if Does not annul such vote
accompanied by the first name or surname

With nickname used as a means to identify the The whole ballot is invalid
voter

Nickname is unaccompanied by the name or The name shall be counted in favor of the said
surname of a candidate by which he is candidate for the same office with the same
popularly known in the locality nickname
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
Initials only or which is illegible or does not Considered as a stray vote but shall not
sufficiently identify the candidate for whom it is invalidate the whole ballot.
intended.

First name is correctly written but with different Vote shall not be counted in favor of any
surname OR candidate having such first name and/or
Surname of the candidate is correctly written surname but the ballot shall be considered
but with a different first name. valid for other candidates.

Any ballot written with crayon, lead pencil or Ballot shall be valid.
ink, wholly or in part.
The vote shall not be counted in favor of any of
Where there are two or more candidates voted them, but this shall not affect the validity of the
for in an office for which the law authorizes only other votes.
one.
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT
Candidates voted for exceed the number of
those to be elected
Vote in favor of a person who has not filed a
certificate of candidacy or in favor of a
candidate for an office for which he did not
present himself
Name of a candidate printed or pasted on a
blank space of the ballot or affixed thereto
through any mechanical process
Circles, crosses or lines put on the spaces
voted
DISPOSITION
Ballot is valid, but votes shall be counted only
in favor of the candidates whose names were
firstly written within the spaces provided for
said office until authorized number is covered
Stray vote, but it shall not invalidate the whole
ballot
Totally null and void
Considered as signs to indicate his desistance
from voting and shall not invalidate the ballot
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
Strokes, strains, accidental flourishes between Shall not invalidate the ballot
the first name and surname of a candidate, use
of 2 or more kinds of writing, unintentional
flourishes

Clearly appears to have been filled by two Totally null and void
distinct persons before it was deposited in the
ballot box during the voting

Vote cast in favor of a candidate who has been Stray and shall not be counted but it shall not
disqualified by final judgment invalidate the ballot
APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
WRITTEN IN BALLOT DISPOSITION
Written in Arabic in localities where it is of Ballots are valid. To read them, the EB may
general use employ an interpreter who shall take an oath

Accidental tearing or perforation of a ballot Does not annul the ballot

Failure to remove the detachable coupon Does not annul the ballot
PREPARATION AND
DISTRIBUTION OF
ELECTION RETURNS
PREPARATION & DISTRIBUTION OF
ELECTION RETURNS
BARANGAY ELECTIONS SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY
4 copies of Election Returns to be given to 3 copies of Election Returns to be given to
the following: the following:

(a) Original – BBOC (a) Original – BBOC

(b) Second copy – EO (b) Second copy – EO
(c) Third copy – deposited inside the ballot (c) Third copy – deposited inside the ballot
box box
(d) Fourth copy – Secretary of the
Sangguniang Barangay
ELECTION RETURNS

Each copy should be signed and thumbmarked by the EB

and watchers, available.
Sealed with paper seal, placed in an envelope with paper
seal.
All data shall be accomplished in handwriting and all entries
on the original are clearly impressed on all other copies.
ELECTION RETURNS
Total numbers of votes shall be closed with the signatures
and the clear imprints of the right thumb of all the EB
members affixed in full view of the public.
The EB and watchers shall accomplish the certification
portion of the ERs.
Chairperson shall publicly announce the votes obtained by
each candidate.
CERTIFICATE OF VOTES
Total number of votes received – written in words and figures
Precinct number
Name of Barangay, City or Municipality, Province
Total number of voters who voted in the Precinct
Date of issuance of the certificate

NOTE: Certificate should be signed and thumbmarked by all EB

members.
DISPOSITION OF BALLOTS, KEYS, ERs
& OTHER DOCUMENTS

- Close inner
- Envelopes compartments Deliver to Deliver to the
- Tally board
- Seal with 1 the City / Secretary of the
plastic security Sangguniang
- Stubs of seal Municipal Barangay copy
used - Lock with 1 Treasurer of PCVL (SK)
padlock and 2 and ER (Brgy)
official security seals the ballot
ballots box
- Wrap with tape..
DISPOSITION OF BALLOTS, KEYS, ERs
& OTHER DOCUMENTS
Deliver to the EO the envelopes of
the following:
 Envelope of ERs – COMELEC
copy
 Enveloped key of the ballot box
 Envelope of a copy of the Minutes
 EDVCL (Barangay, SK)
 PCVL (Barangay, SK)
 Unused thumbprint takers
 Other half of torn unused ballots
PRESERVATION OF THE LIST OF VOTERS
The Election Officer shall keep the EDCVL-
Barangay , EDCVL-SK, PCVL- Barangay, and
PCVL- SK used in the election in a safe place until
such time the Commission gives instructions on
their disposition.
OMISSION OR ERRONEOUS
INCLUSION OF DOCUMENTS IN THE
BALLOT BOX
If after locking and sealing the ballot box, the EB discovers that some election
documents required were not placed therein:
EB shall deliver ballot box to EO.
No instance shall the box be re-opened EXCEPT to retrieve ERs with prior
authority from the Commission.

If Electoral Board fails to place envelope/s containing the counted ballots
inside the ballot box:
The EO, with notice to the candidates, deposit the said envelopes/s in a
separate ballot box – sealed, padlocked, stored in a safe place in his/her office
Note: Ballot box remains sealed unless ordered by the Commission.
DELIVERY AND TRANSMITTAL
OF ELECTION RETURNS
Manner of Delivery and Transmittal of Election
Returns to the BBOC
Placed inside a sealed envelope
Delivered personally by the EB to:
- BBOC or
- BBOC Support Staff under proper
receipt
 CANVASS
AND
PROCLAMATION
Board of Canvassers/Sub-Canvassing Unit
One Barangay Board of Canvasser (BBOC) in each barangay
Canvass the ERs for both Barangay and SK Elections
Proclaim the winning candidates

Note: In a barangay with only 1 Electoral Board, it shall convert itself

as the BBOC
Composition of BBOC/Sub-Canvassing Unit

Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
Member-Secretary
 Honorarium of the Members of the BBOC/Sub-Canvassing Unit
HONORARIA
NO. OF BARANGAY ELECTION RETURNS BBOC coming from
Electoral Board
1 to 5 P 1,000.00
6 to 12 P 1,000.00
13 to 24 P 2,000.00
Fresh BBOC
25 to 36 P 2,500.00
37 to 48 P 3,000.00
Main BBOC Sub-Canvassing Unit
49 to 97
with one (1) Sub-Canvassing
Unit
98 to 145
with two (2) Sub-Canvassing
Unit
146 to 193
with three (3) Sub-Canvassing P 4,000.00 P 2,000.00
Unit
194 to 241
with four (4) Sub-Canvassing
Unit
242 above
with five (5) Sub-Canvassing
Unit
RELATIONSHIP WITH CANDIDATES & OTHER
MEMBERS
BBOC/Sub-Canvassing Unit shall not be related within the 4th civil degree of
consanguinity or affinity to:

 Any barangay candidate

 SK candidate

Any of the candidate’s spouse

Any member of the same BBOC/Sub-Canvassing Unit

Notice of Meeting of the BBOC
At least 5 days before the meeting of the BBOC
Chairperson shall give notice of the date, time and place of the
meeting
To all members including Sub-Canvassing Unit and to each
candidate

NOTE: Majority vote of all the members of the BBOC shall be necessary to
render a decision.
Persons Not Allowed Inside the Canvassing
Room
Officer or member of the AFP including the PNP
 Peace officer
 Armed or unarmed person belonging to extra-legal police agency, barangay
tanod, et al.

They are not allowed to stay within a radius of fifty (50) meters from
the canvassing room

NOTE:
The BBOC by majority vote in writing, may order the detail of PNP or AFP in proper
uniform to stay outside the room within a radius of thirty (30) meters to provide
protection and maintain peace and order.
CANVASSING
PROCEDURES
CANVASSING PROCEDURES

• Member-Secretary shall
receive the envelopes
containing the ERs
• Record in the Minutes of
Canvass the condition and
For BBOC with SNs of the envelope and
no Sub- paper seal, the precinct
number(s) comprising the
Canvassing Unit cluster
• Before opening, the
Chairperson shall exhibit the
envelope to those who are
present
CANVASSING PROCEDURES

• If there are no discrepancies, the

members of the BBOC shall affix their
signatures above their printed names
and imprint their thumbmarks on the
certification portion of the SOVs.
• After the SOVs has been completed,
For BBOC the BBOC shall prepare the
with no Sub- Certificate of Canvass and
Proclamation (COCP), affix their
Canvassing signatures and thumbmarks on the
certification portion of COCP, and
Unit officially proclaim the winning
candidates.
 CANVASSING PROCEDURES
• If there is an objection to an ER, the
Member-Secretary shall note the
objection in the Minutes and proceed to
canvass the ER
• After an ER has been canvassed, the
Chairperson shall write on the upper
For BBOC right hand corner the word
with no Sub- “CANVASSED” and affix below it
his/her signature and the date of the
Canvassing canvass
• When all the ERs have been
Unit canvassed – the Vice-Chairperson and
Member-Secretary shall compare the
entries in their respective copies of the
SOVs

Note: If there are discrepancies in the entries, refer to the

corresponding ERs and make the necessary corrections on the
SOVs. All corrections shall be initialed by the members of the
BBOC and recorded in the Minutes
CANVASSING PROCEDURES
• Open the envelope and retrieve
the ERs and proceed to canvass
first all the Barangay ERs
• Examine the condition of the inner
paper seal of the ERs
• Break the inner seal, unfold the
For BBOC ERs and exhibit the same
• If there is no objection to the ERs,
with no Sub- the BBOC shall proceed to
canvass by reading the votes of
Canvassing the candidate and entering the
Unit same in the Statement of Votes
(SOVs)

Note: The Member-Secretary records in the Minutes

the condition and SN of the ERs and paper seal
CANVASSING PROCEDURES
• Canvass all ERs for the barangay
and SK elections following the same
procedures provided for BBOC with
no sub-canvassing unit
• The BBOC Chairperson shall assign
as many ERs to the Sub-Canvassing
For BBOC Unit
with Sub- • The Sub-Canvassing Unit after
accomplishing the SOV, shall turn-
Canvassing over the same to the BBOC
Unit • The BBOC shall prepare the
Summary Statement of Votes using
all the SOVs in its custody.
Thereafter prepare the COCP and
proclaim the winning candidates.
When Election Returns are Delayed, Lost or
Destroyed
MISSING ERS
The BBOC shall obtain a copy from the EB concerned
LOST OR DESTROYED ERs
The BBOC may, upon prior authority of the Commission, use
any of the authentic copies of the ERs
Commission direct its representative to investigate the case
Representative immediately report the matter to the
Commission
Material defects in the Election Returns
Some requisites in form or data had been omitted in the ERs:
The BBOC will call all EB members concerned to effect the correction.

In case of omission in the ERs of the name of any candidate and/or his
corresponding votes –
The BBOC shall require the EB to complete the necessary data in the ERs and
affix therein their initials

If the votes omitted in the returns cannot be ascertained by other means

except by recounting the ballots:

The Commission shall order the EB to open the ballot box

 Count the votes for the candidates whose votes have been omitted,
with notice to candidates whose votes have been omitted
 Complete the returns
When Election Returns Appear to be Tampered With
or Falsified

The BBOC shall use other copies of the ERs, if necessary,

the copy inside the ballot box with previous authority from by
the Commission.
If other copies are also tampered, the BBOC shall bring the
matter to the attention of the Commission.
The Commission shall after giving notice to candidates order
the opening of the box and recount of the votes of the
candidates affected and prepare a new return, which shall be
used by BBOC as basis for the canvass.
Discrepancies in Election Returns
Discrepancies in the votes of any candidate in words and figures in the
same returns and the difference affects the results of the elections:

1.) The Commission upon motion of the BBOC or any candidate affected
and after notice to all candidates concerned, determine whether the
integrity of the ballot box had been preserved.
2.) If the Commission is satisfied that the integrity of the ballot box had
been preserved – order the opening of the ballot box to recount the
votes cast to determine the true result of the count of votes of
candidates concerned.
Note: If upon opening the ballot box, it appears that there are signs of
replacement, tampering, or violation of the integrity of the ballots, the
Commission shall not recount the ballots but seal the ballot box and
order its safekeeping.
Manifest Error
There is manifest error in the tabulation or tallying of the result when:

 A copy of the ER was tabulated more than once;

 Two or more copies of the ERs for 1 precinct were tabulated;
 There was a mistake in the copying of the figure from the ERs to the SOVs;
 ERs from non-existent precincts were included in the canvass;
 ERs from the precinct of 1 barangay were included in the canvass for another
barangay; and
 There was mistake in the addition of votes of any candidate
Manifest Error
A. If manifest error is clearly shown before proclamation, BBOC may
correct the errors committed:
 motu proprio, or upon verified petition by any candidate
 after due notice and hearing

B. If manifest error is discovered before proclamation, BBOC shall correct

the manifest error:
 By promulgating an order in writing
 The correction is effected in the SOV/COCP by crossing out the erroneous
figures/entries to be initialled by the members of the BBOC and entering the correct
figures/entries
 The correction shall be recorded in the Minutes
Manifest Error
Any candidate aggrieved by the order to correct manifest error may:

 appeal to the Commission within 24 hrs from promulgation

Once an appeal is made, the BBOC shall not proclaim the winning
candidate, unless the votes are not affected by the appeal

C. If manifest errors are discovered after proclamation:

the same shall be filed by the board or any aggrieved party with the Commission
Questions Affecting the Election Returns; Finality of
Decision

All questions affecting the ERs shall be raised during the canvass
Decided immediately by a majority vote of all the members of the BBOC
Decision shall be reduced in writing and form part of the Minutes of the
proceedings
Shall be final and immediately executory

NOTE: After all questions on the ERs shall have been resolved, the
BBOC shall proceed with the proclamation of the winning candidates,
without prejudice to the right of an aggrieved party to file an election
protest
Elections Resulting in a Tie
BBOC shall:
Record in the Minutes
Issue Resolution
 Notify all candidates concerned (5-day
notice)
Hold a special public meeting for the drawing
of lots
Proclaim as elected the candidates who may
be favored by luck
Certificate of Canvass and Proclamation (COCP) and
Proclamation of Winning Candidates
DISTRIBUTION OF COCP

Original Copy Election Officer

2nd Copy Winning candidate for Punong
Barangay or SK Chairperson
3rd Copy Secretary of the Sangguniang
Bayan/Panglungsod
4th Copy Secretary of the Sangguniang
Barangay

NOTE: The BBOC shall prepare in quadruplicate the COCP duly signed and
thumbmarked by each member
Safekeeping of Canvassed Election Returns

The EO shall:
Submit to ERSD
A certified list of votes obtained by each candidate ranked from
highest to lowest for the Barangay and SK Elections in each
barangay together with CD containing the encoded results
Safekeeping of Canvassed Election Returns
The BBOC shall:
Return the ERs in proper envelopes
Place the envelopes in the envelope for canvassed ERs
Close and seal the envelope with a paper seal
The serial number of the paper seal will be noted in the Minutes
The Chairperson and members shall affix their signatures on
the paper seal
Deliver the envelope containing the canvassed ERs to the
City/Municipal Treasurer
CONTINGENCY PLANS
Late Arrival of Official Ballots, Accountable Election Forms and Other
Election Paraphernalia

The EO, City/Municipal Treasurers and Electoral Boards shall:

Assess the time of arrival of the ballots, accountable election forms and other
election paraphernalia at the concerned polling place, based on the
information from Administrative Services Department (ASD)/ Packing and
Shipping Committee (PSC).
If the ballots will arrive before twelve o’clock in the afternoon of May 14, 2018,
voting shall immediately start and continue up to five o’clock in the afternoon.
If the ballots/other election forms/paraphernalia will arrive after twelve o’clock
in the afternoon of May 14, 2018, elections shall be reset to the following day,
May 15, 2018 or on the next day May 16, 2018.
Late Arrival of Official Ballots, Accountable Election Forms and Other
Election Paraphernalia
The EO shall:
Announce and post notice on the date of the resetting of elections in the
clustered precinct/s affected not later than six o’clock in the evening of
election day.
Report to the PES which clustered precinct/s under his jurisdiction have
extended/rescheduled its elections due to late arrival of ballots, election forms
and paraphernalia.

The PES shall:

Report to the RED who shall consolidate and submit to ODEDO
 SHORTAGE, NON-AVAILABILITY OR MISSING
PAGES OF ACCOUNTABLE AND NON-
ACCOUNTABLE ELECTION FORMS AND SUPPLIES
Shortage or Non - Availability of Official Ballots

The EO shall report the shortage or non-availability to the Allocation Committee:

If Reported before Election Day If Reported on Election Day

Allocation Committee shall determine the The provision of Section 182 (Emergency
necessity of printing ballots Ballots) of BP Blg. 881 will apply

If necessary, the Committee will determine The City/Municipal Treasurer will provide
the quantity requirements for printing other ballots similar to the official ones
and uniform within each polling place

If printing is not necessary, instruct the
City/Municipal Treasurer and the EO on
the manner of re-allocating the ballots
The political parties, candidates and
organizations authorized to designate
watchers will be notified to send their
representatives and agreed in writing the
use of emergency ballots
Shortage or Non-Availability of Election Returns/Tally Boards
EO will report to the Allocation Committee

ELECTORAL BOARD shall:

1.) Improvise ERs or Tally Boards and proceed with the counting of votes
2.) After the counting, sign the improvised ERs or Tally Boards and imprint
thumbmarks
3.) Distribute copies of the improvised ERs or Tally Boards in accordance with
Section 59
4.) Enter in the Minutes that ERs or Tally Boards are not available and the
Electoral Board and watchers decided to use improvised ERs or Tally Boards
5.) Place all forms used inside the corresponding envelopes and deposit it inside
the ballot box
Non-Availability of Statement of Votes by Precinct (SOVP)
EO shall report to the Allocation Committee

BBOC shall:
1.) Improvise SOVP and proceed with the canvass of ERs
2.) After canvass, sign the improvised SOVP and imprint
thumbmarks
3.) Distribute copies of the improvised SOVP
4.) Enter in the Minutes that SOVP is not available and that the
BBOC with watchers decided to use improvised SOVP
5.) Place all forms used inside the corresponding envelopes and
deposit it inside the ballot box
Missing Pages/Copies of the SOVP
BBOC shall:
1.) Take measures to reproduce/photocopy the SOVPs
2.) Certify all photocopies

NOTE:
In Metro Manila, all lacking or missing pages shall be
replaced
If Outside Metro Manila, all non-accountable forms
and supplies may be reproduced or photocopied,
upon PRIOR APPROVAL of the EO
Official Ballots Bearing the Same Serial Numbers (SN)
The City/Municipal Treasurer shall:
1.) Issue the subject ballots to the Electoral Board
2.) Take note of its condition in the inventory report

The Chairperson of the Electoral Board shall:

1.) Prior to the issuance of the ballots, add one Arabic numeral
after the last digit of the serial number starting with number 1, 2
and so on
2.) Affix initial
3.) Record opposite the name of the voters in the EDCVL –
Barangay/EDCVL – SK, the new SNs
Official Ballots Bearing the Same Serial Numbers (SN)
Record in the Minutes:
The fact that the ballots have the same SN
Its quantity
New SNs

NOTE:
The EB members are directed, in all instances, to issue first the ballots with
complete and regular SNs. Except those which were marked as defective
ballots, the EB members shall only issue ballots with the same SNs to the
voters, if there are no more available ballots with complete and regular SN in
the polling place concerned.
Upper and Lower Serial Numbers (SN) of the Official Ballot
are Different

The Poll Clerk shall:

1.) Enter in the Minutes the different SNs
2.) Indicate the location (upper or lower portion)
3.) Record opposite the name of the voter in the EDCVL-
Barangay/EDCVL-SK, the two different SNs

The Chairperson shall:

1.) Issue the ballot to the voter
Either the Upper or Lower Serial Number (SN) of the Official
Ballot is Missing
The Poll Clerk shall:
1. Take note in the Minutes the missing SN
2.) Indicate the location (upper or lower portion)
3.) Record opposite the name of the voter in the EDCVL –
Barangay/EDCVL – SK the available SN

The Chairperson shall:

1.) Copy the available SN in the portion of the ballot where it
does not appear
2.) Affix signature
3.) Issue the ballot to the voter.
Upper and Lower Serial Numbers (SNs) of the Official
Ballot are Missing
The Poll Clerk shall:
1.) Record the fact in the Minutes

The Chairperson shall:

1.) Mark the ballot as “defective ballot”
2.) Place the ballot inside the envelope intended for spoiled ballots
Serial Number (SN) of the Official Ballot is Unreadable
or Hard to Ascertain
The Poll Clerk shall:
1.) Check the SN of the ballot preceding the ballot with blurred SN
2.) Follow the sequence of the serial numbers
3.) Enter in the Minutes the ascertained SN
4.) Record opposite the name of the voter in the EDCVL –
Barangay/EDCVL – SK

 The Chairperson shall:

1.) Issue the ballot to the voter
Serial Number (SN) of the Official Ballot Does Not
Belong to the Series
The Poll Clerk shall:
1.) Note in the Minutes
2.) Record the same opposite the name of the voter in
the EDCVL – Barangay/EDCVL – SK

The Chairperson shall:

1.) Issue the ballot to the voter
MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!