Early Monday, Comelec was quick to deny the claims of two overseas voters that they received pre-shaded ballots. They warned the voters that complaints may be filed against them for damaging the reputation of the national elections.
Comelec Commissioner George Garcia replied to the posts of both OFWs who casted their votes in Singapore and Dubai.
Garcia’s reply on the posts said that Comelec did not receive any official report from the Singapore post. He dismissed the claim as fake news and warned readers about the veracity of the post.
CNN Philippines corresponded with Singapore voter Cheryl Abundo, who claimed she received a pre-shaded ballot. Abundo said that vice presidential candidate Sara Duterte was shaded; no one was shaded for president. Several senatorial candidates were also shaded.
Upon complaining, she was given another ballot and was able to vote for her chosen candidates. Abundo said that she reported the incident to Comelec and the Philippine Embassy.
Monday afternoon, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore confirmed the spoiled ballot incident.
The statement underscored that Abundo’s experience was an isolated case. As of issuing the statement, there is only one confirmed incident of a pre-shaded ballot in Singapore.
The embassy also assured that the incident has been officially reported.