STATEMENT ON ALLEGED PRE-SHADED BALLOTS AT THE CONSULATE'S OVERSEAS VOTING PRECINCT

The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai held its first day of overseas voting, yesterday, 10 April 2022. There was a high turnout of voters and its conduct went well in general.

As to the alleged anomaly regarding the conduct of the voting at the Consulate, particularly on the supposed discovery by one voter of pre-shaded ballot, that have spread and currently circulating in social media, the Consulate firmly denies this. No such incident or anything remotely similar occurred or was reported. Poll watchers from at least five different political parties who were present during the entire voting period yesterday likewise witnessed or reported no irregularity.

The public is informed that any such irregularity/ies with regard the conduct of election at the Consulate, if they do occur, are recorded in the official OVF No. 11-A (Minutes of Voting for AES Voting Posts) which are submitted to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The Consulate likewise notes that each voter is advised by poll clerks and election officers about the proper procedure in voting, as prescribed by the Commission on Elections, and that they are entitled to raise any issue with the election board regarding any issue or irregularity that they may encounter.

The Consulate strongly advises the public against posting and/or spreading unverified and/or unsubstantiated allegations online whether on social media and messaging applications and that such acts are prohibited under UAE laws.

For the public's information and guidance.