LENTE REGIONAL TRAINING

onElection Laws and

ProcessesApril 22, 2007

LENTE

AGENDAAGENDA

Welcoming RemarksWelcoming Remarks LENTE OverviewLENTE Overview Training on Election LawsTraining on Election Laws

VotingVoting CanvassingCanvassing Open ForumOpen Forum

Other Operational MattersOther Operational Matters Provincial TrainingProvincial Training DeploymentDeployment

Welcoming RemarksWelcoming Remarks

LENTE OverviewLENTE Overview

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What is LENTE?What is LENTE?

First nationwide network of lawyers, First nationwide network of lawyers, law students, paralegals and other law students, paralegals and other trained volunteers set up by various trained volunteers set up by various non-partisan groups engaged in non-partisan groups engaged in election monitoring work.election monitoring work.

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What is LENTE?What is LENTE?

Two tasks:Two tasks: To monitor the canvassing of tallied To monitor the canvassing of tallied

votes in cities, municipalities and votes in cities, municipalities and provinces around the country;provinces around the country;

To provide legal services to members of To provide legal services to members of the Network during the election period.the Network during the election period.

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LENTE Must WinsLENTE Must Wins

Mobilize around 10,000 volunteers Mobilize around 10,000 volunteers nationwide for the following work:nationwide for the following work: Monitor the canvassing of votes in 1,600 Monitor the canvassing of votes in 1,600

cities/municipalities and 81 provinces cities/municipalities and 81 provinces around the countryaround the country

Coordinators at the local level;Coordinators at the local level; Monitor canvassing and provide legal Monitor canvassing and provide legal

services at the national levelservices at the national level Support and assistance to the volunteer Support and assistance to the volunteer

monitors during the canvassing processmonitors during the canvassing process

Training ProperTraining Proper

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TOPICSTOPICS Sources of Election LawSources of Election Law Candidates and PartiesCandidates and Parties

Voting and Counting ProcessVoting and Counting Process Canvass ProcessCanvass Process

Post ElectionPost Election

Sources of Election Sources of Election lawlaw

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1987 Philippine 1987 Philippine ConstitutionConstitution

Right of SuffrageRight of Suffrage Secrecy and sanctity of Secrecy and sanctity of

the ballots (Article V)the ballots (Article V) Absentee voting for Absentee voting for

overseas Filipinos (Article overseas Filipinos (Article V)V)

COMELEC CharterCOMELEC Charter Accreditation of a Accreditation of a

citizen’s arm (Article IX-citizen’s arm (Article IX-C)C)

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Free and open party Free and open party system [Article IX-C system [Article IX-C Section 6]Section 6]

No representation No representation in the Board of in the Board of Canvassers, Canvassers, Registration Registration Boards and Board Boards and Board of Election of Election Inspectors for Inspectors for political parties, political parties, although entitled to although entitled to watchers [Article watchers [Article IX-C Section 8]IX-C Section 8]

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The Omnibus The Omnibus Election CodeElection Code The Basic Law of ElectionsThe Basic Law of Elections

Passed on December 3, 1985Passed on December 3, 1985 First applied in the Feb. 1986 Snap First applied in the Feb. 1986 Snap

Presidential ElectionsPresidential Elections Under the 1973 ConstitutionUnder the 1973 Constitution

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RA 6646 RA 6646 – Electoral Reforms Law of 1987, – Electoral Reforms Law of 1987, January 5, 1988January 5, 1988

Limited campaign propaganda to common poster Limited campaign propaganda to common poster areas and to Comelec space and timeareas and to Comelec space and time

Redefined the composition of the Board of Redefined the composition of the Board of Election Inspectors and CanvassersElection Inspectors and Canvassers

Strengthened penal provisions on vote-buying and Strengthened penal provisions on vote-buying and vote-selling as well as campaign violationsvote-selling as well as campaign violations

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RA 7166 - RA 7166 - November 26, 1991November 26, 1991

Enabling law for the first synchronized elections in Enabling law for the first synchronized elections in 19921992

Amended procedures for canvass and pre-Amended procedures for canvass and pre-proclamation controversiesproclamation controversies

Parties and Citizens’ Arm to get copies of COCsParties and Citizens’ Arm to get copies of COCs

Gun BanGun Ban

Decriminalized the failure to file statement of Decriminalized the failure to file statement of expenditures and contributions of candidatesexpenditures and contributions of candidates

  

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RA 7941 RA 7941 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF PARTY-LIST ELECTION OF PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVES THROUGH THE PARTY-REPRESENTATIVES THROUGH THE PARTY-LIST SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS LIST SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORTHEREFOR

RA 8045 and 8173 RA 8045 and 8173 - CITIZEN’S ARMS RIGHT - CITIZEN’S ARMS RIGHT TO OBTAIN COPIES OF ELECTION RETURNSTO OBTAIN COPIES OF ELECTION RETURNS

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RA 8189RA 8189 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A GENERAL REGISTRATION OF VOTERS, GENERAL REGISTRATION OF VOTERS, ADOPTING A SYSTEM OF CONTINUING ADOPTING A SYSTEM OF CONTINUING REGISTRATION, PRESCRIBING THE REGISTRATION, PRESCRIBING THE PROCEDURES THEREOF AND PROCEDURES THEREOF AND AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF AUTHORIZING THE APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS THEREFOR, "The Voter's FUNDS THEREFOR, "The Voter's Registration Act of 1996."Registration Act of 1996."

Changed the system of registration from a Changed the system of registration from a fixed day registration to a system of fixed day registration to a system of continuing registration continuing registration

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RA 8295 RA 8295 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE PROCLAMATION OF A LONE CANDIDATE PROCLAMATION OF A LONE CANDIDATE FOR ANY ELECTIVE OFFICE IN A SPECIAL FOR ANY ELECTIVE OFFICE IN A SPECIAL ELECTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSESELECTION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

RA 8436 RA 8436 AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE MAY 11, 1998 NATIONAL OR LOCAL MAY 11, 1998 NATIONAL OR LOCAL ELECTIONS AND IN SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS AND IN SUBSEQUENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTORAL NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTORAL EXERCISES, PROVIDING FUNDS EXERCISES, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSESTHEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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RA 9006RA 9006 AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE HOLDING OF AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE HOLDING OF FREE, ORDERLY, HONEST, PEACEFUL AND FREE, ORDERLY, HONEST, PEACEFUL AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS THROUGH FAIR CREDIBLE ELECTIONS THROUGH FAIR ELECTION PRACTICES, “Fair Election Act”ELECTION PRACTICES, “Fair Election Act”

Liberalized campaign rulesLiberalized campaign rules

RA 9189RA 9189 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING BY QUALIFIED OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING BY QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES ABROAD, CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES ABROAD, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, "The Overseas Absentee OTHER PURPOSES, "The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003Voting Act of 2003."."

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RA 9369RA 9369 An Act Amending Republic Act No. 8436 An Act Amending Republic Act No. 8436 entitledentitled, “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE , “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE MAY 11, AUTOMATED ELECTION SYSTEM IN THE MAY 11, 1998 NATIONAL OR LOCAL ELECTIONS AND IN 1998 NATIONAL OR LOCAL ELECTIONS AND IN SUBSEQUENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL SUBSEQUENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTORAL EXERCISES”ELECTORAL EXERCISES”

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COMELEC RESOLUTIONSCOMELEC RESOLUTIONS

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (GI for BEI) – Resolution No. 7815, as (GI for BEI) – Resolution No. 7815, as amended.amended.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE BOARDS OF CANVASSERS (GI for BOARDS OF CANVASSERS (GI for BOC) – Nothing yet at this point. BOC) – Nothing yet at this point.

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May 14, 2007 National and Local Elections

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Positions at stakePositions at stake

National: National:

Senate – 12 seatsSenate – 12 seats

House of Representatives – 218 and 20% of House of Representatives – 218 and 20% of the total no. of seats for Party Listthe total no. of seats for Party List

Provinces: Provinces:

Governors - 81 Vice Governors - 81Governors - 81 Vice Governors - 81

Provincial Board Members – as high as 7 to Provincial Board Members – as high as 7 to as low as 1 per PB district as low as 1 per PB district

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Cities/MunicipalitiesCity Mayor – 118 Vice-Mayor - 118

Sangguniang Panglungsod Members – 4 to 12 per city or city district

Municipal Mayor – 1,510Vice Mayor – 1,510Sangguniang Bayan Members – 8 per town

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Registration of VoterRegistration of Voter (Basic Law is RA 8189)(Basic Law is RA 8189)

To be able to vote in electionsTo be able to vote in elections Must be a registered voterMust be a registered voter

Who may register?Who may register? All citizens of the Philippines not All citizens of the Philippines not

otherwise disqualified by law otherwise disqualified by law At least eighteen (18) years of age At least eighteen (18) years of age Resided in the Philippines for at least one Resided in the Philippines for at least one

(1) year immediately preceding the (1) year immediately preceding the election,election,

Resided in the place wherein they Resided in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six (6) months propose to vote for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the electionimmediately preceding the election

 

REGISTRATIONREGISTRATION

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System of Continuing Registration of System of Continuing Registration of VotersVoters

Personal filing of application of Personal filing of application of registration of voters registration of voters

Conducted daily in the office of the Conducted daily in the office of the Election Officer during regular office Election Officer during regular office hours. hours.

No registration one hundred twenty No registration one hundred twenty (120) days before a regular election (120) days before a regular election

The Election Registration Board (ERB) The Election Registration Board (ERB) decides on the applicationsdecides on the applications

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Precinct Precinct is the basic unit of territory is the basic unit of territory in elections. It may comprise a in elections. It may comprise a geographically compact territory like a geographically compact territory like a street or a group or streets or a street or a group or streets or a sitiositio. . Voters are organized by precinct in Voters are organized by precinct in each city and municipality. Voters each city and municipality. Voters from the same precinct cast their vote from the same precinct cast their vote in the same polling place. in the same polling place.

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Cluster of PrecinctsCluster of Precincts is a grouping is a grouping of two precincts so much so that the of two precincts so much so that the voters in the two precincts can vote voters in the two precincts can vote in one polling place, use one ballot in one polling place, use one ballot box, use one set of election returns, box, use one set of election returns, etc, and vote before one Board of etc, and vote before one Board of Election Inspectors. Election Inspectors. Notwithstanding clustering, the component precincts Notwithstanding clustering, the component precincts

retain their identity and will have their own separate retain their identity and will have their own separate book of voters and list of voters. book of voters and list of voters.

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Polling PlacePolling Place is the place where is the place where voting is conducted. It is usually a voting is conducted. It is usually a classroom. It is most of the time classroom. It is most of the time referred to as the precinct when referred to as the precinct when reference is made to the place of reference is made to the place of voting. voting.

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CANDIDATESCANDIDATES

Must have filed Certificate of Must have filed Certificate of CandidacyCandidacy No Certificate, Not a CandidateNo Certificate, Not a Candidate

Maybe independent or affiliated with Maybe independent or affiliated with Political PartyPolitical Party

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POLITICAL PARTIESPOLITICAL PARTIES

Group of persons pursuing the same Group of persons pursuing the same ideology, political ideas or platforms ideology, political ideas or platforms of governmentof government

Must be COMELEC registered to have Must be COMELEC registered to have juridical personalityjuridical personality

Leadership issues may be resolved Leadership issues may be resolved by COMELECby COMELEC

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Dominant Majority and Dominant Dominant Majority and Dominant Minority PartyMinority Party Entitled to copies of Election Returns Entitled to copies of Election Returns

and Certificates of Canvassand Certificates of Canvass 6 Principal Political Parties6 Principal Political Parties

Priority WatchersPriority Watchers

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PARTY LISTPARTY LIST

Must be RegisteredMust be Registered Manifestation of Intent to ParticipateManifestation of Intent to Participate Nominates at least 5 persons.Nominates at least 5 persons. Party is elected, Not the nominees.Party is elected, Not the nominees.

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ELECTION DAYELECTION DAY

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Board of Election InspectorsBoard of Election Inspectors

Three members Three members Usually all public school teachersUsually all public school teachers Conducts the election at the Conducts the election at the

polling place polling place One BEI for every precinct or One BEI for every precinct or

cluster of precinct. cluster of precinct.

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Powers and Functions of BEI Powers and Functions of BEI

Conduct the voting and counting of Conduct the voting and counting of votes in the polling places. votes in the polling places.

Deputies of the Commission in the Deputies of the Commission in the supervision and control of the election supervision and control of the election in the polling place. in the polling place.

Maintain order within the polling place Maintain order within the polling place and its premises and its premises

Enforce obedience to its lawful orders. Enforce obedience to its lawful orders.

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BEI QualificationsBEI Qualifications Of good moral character and Of good moral character and

irreproachable reputationirreproachable reputation Registered voter of the city or Registered voter of the city or

municipalitymunicipality Never been convicted of any election Never been convicted of any election

offense or of any other crime punishable offense or of any other crime punishable by more than six (6) months of by more than six (6) months of imprisonment, or has no pending case imprisonment, or has no pending case filed against him for any election offense filed against him for any election offense

Able to speak and write English or the Able to speak and write English or the local dialect. local dialect.

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A pollwatcher must be in the A pollwatcher must be in the polling place at polling place at 6:00 am6:00 am - the - the time the BEI are supposed to be time the BEI are supposed to be at the polling place to make the at the polling place to make the necessary preparation for the necessary preparation for the voting.voting.

The voting starts at The voting starts at 7:00 am7:00 am and ends at and ends at 3:00 pm3:00 pm

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Key Forms and SuppliesKey Forms and Supplies Ballots Ballots are where voters write their are where voters write their

votes. They are printed on security paper votes. They are printed on security paper with distinctive, clear and legible with distinctive, clear and legible watermarks that will readily distinguish watermarks that will readily distinguish the ballot paper from ordinary paper. the ballot paper from ordinary paper. They contain a stub and detachable They contain a stub and detachable coupon, both of which shall bear the coupon, both of which shall bear the same serial number of the ballot, with same serial number of the ballot, with space for the thumbmark of the voter on space for the thumbmark of the voter on the detachable coupon. the detachable coupon.

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Election ReturnsElection Returns is spreadsheet-like is spreadsheet-like document where the tally of the votes of document where the tally of the votes of all candidates voted for in the precinct is all candidates voted for in the precinct is made. It comes in 7 copies of several made. It comes in 7 copies of several pages each. The first copy is the one to be pages each. The first copy is the one to be delivered to the Municipal or City Board of delivered to the Municipal or City Board of Canvassers for canvass. The others are Canvassers for canvass. The others are distributed to different recipients.distributed to different recipients.

Tally BoardTally Board is a big tally sheet posted in is a big tally sheet posted in the walls of the polling place for public the walls of the polling place for public viewing of the vote tally process.viewing of the vote tally process.

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Minutes of the Voting and CountingMinutes of the Voting and Counting is is the document where the proceedings in the document where the proceedings in the polling place are recorded. It is where the polling place are recorded. It is where the serial numbers of all election the serial numbers of all election documents and supplies are recorded. It documents and supplies are recorded. It comes in two copies.comes in two copies.

Paper SealsPaper Seals are used to seal envelopes are used to seal envelopes and the ballot box to make sure that they and the ballot box to make sure that they are not unduly or improperly opened. The are not unduly or improperly opened. The seals also have serial numbers.seals also have serial numbers.

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Ballot BoxBallot Box, which also has a serial , which also has a serial number, has two compartments: the number, has two compartments: the bigger compartment is where valid bigger compartment is where valid ballots are deposited and the smaller ballots are deposited and the smaller compartment is where spoiled ballots compartment is where spoiled ballots are dropped.are dropped.

Indelible InkIndelible Ink is put on the right is put on the right forefinger of a person who has voted.forefinger of a person who has voted.

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Key RecordsKey Records

Voter’s Registration Record Voter’s Registration Record (VRR)(VRR) is the application for is the application for registration form of persons whose registration form of persons whose application for registration has been application for registration has been approved by the Election approved by the Election Registration Board.Registration Board.

Book of VotersBook of Voters is a bound is a bound compilation of all the VRRs of compilation of all the VRRs of registered voters in a precinct. registered voters in a precinct.

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List of VotersList of Voters is a listing of the is a listing of the names of all registered voters in names of all registered voters in each precinct duly certified by the each precinct duly certified by the Election Registration Board for use in Election Registration Board for use in the election. the election.

There are two types of lists of voters:There are two types of lists of voters: Election Day Computerized Voters’ List Election Day Computerized Voters’ List

((EDCVLEDCVL)) Posted Computerized Voters List (Posted Computerized Voters List (PCVLPCVL) )

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List of Deactivated VotersList of Deactivated Voters is list of is list of names of those whose VRR were names of those whose VRR were removed from the Book of Voters and removed from the Book of Voters and placed in the inactive file because:placed in the inactive file because: Failure to vote in two successive electoral Failure to vote in two successive electoral

exercise; exercise; Sentenced by final judgment and imprisoned Sentenced by final judgment and imprisoned

for not less than one year or have committed for not less than one year or have committed political crimes; political crimes;

Declared insane and incompetent; and Declared insane and incompetent; and Excluded from the voters’ list by court orderExcluded from the voters’ list by court order

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Persons allowed in polling place Persons allowed in polling place during the voting stageduring the voting stage

• Chairman and members of the BEI. Chairman and members of the BEI. • Watchers who shall stay only in the Watchers who shall stay only in the

space reserved for them; space reserved for them; • Representatives of the Commission; Representatives of the Commission; • Voters casting their votes; Voters casting their votes; • Voters waiting for their turn to vote; Voters waiting for their turn to vote; • Voters waiting for their turn to get their Voters waiting for their turn to get their

ballots; and ballots; and • Others who may be specifically Others who may be specifically

authorized by the Commission. authorized by the Commission.

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Persons Persons not allowednot allowed during voting stage except to vote and when during voting stage except to vote and when

specifically authorized by the COMELECspecifically authorized by the COMELEC

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel.personnel.

Philippine National Police (PNP) personnelPhilippine National Police (PNP) personnel Paramilitary forces, including special Paramilitary forces, including special

forces, security guards, special policemen, forces, security guards, special policemen, and all other kinds of armed or unarmed and all other kinds of armed or unarmed extra-legal police forces. andextra-legal police forces. and

Barangay official, including barangay Barangay official, including barangay tanodtanod, except to vote. , except to vote.

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Personnel of the AFP, as well as Personnel of the AFP, as well as armed and unarmed extra legal armed and unarmed extra legal police forces CANNOT enter any police forces CANNOT enter any polling place or stay within a polling place or stay within a radius of radius of fifty (50) metersfifty (50) meters thereof, thereof, except to voteexcept to vote, in which , in which case they shall immediately case they shall immediately leave the polling place after leave the polling place after voting. voting.

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In case of policemen or peace officers, In case of policemen or peace officers, they may stay outside the polling place they may stay outside the polling place within a radius of within a radius of thirty (30) metersthirty (30) meters to to be easily called by the BEI at any time be easily called by the BEI at any time when they are ordered in writing by a when they are ordered in writing by a majority vote of the BEI for their majority vote of the BEI for their protection and that of the voters or that protection and that of the voters or that of the election documents and of the election documents and paraphernalia. Such orders shall be paraphernalia. Such orders shall be entered in the Minutes. entered in the Minutes.

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Important Rules During the Important Rules During the Voting StageVoting Stage

The meeting of the BEI is public.The meeting of the BEI is public. The BEI acts through its chairman and by The BEI acts through its chairman and by

majority vote. majority vote. No watcher shall enter the places No watcher shall enter the places

reserved for the voters and the BEI, or reserved for the voters and the BEI, or mingles and talks with the voters; mingles and talks with the voters;

No voter shall prepare his ballot without No voter shall prepare his ballot without using a ballot secrecy folder or exhibits using a ballot secrecy folder or exhibits the contents of the ballot to any person; the contents of the ballot to any person;

No ballot shall be brought outside the No ballot shall be brought outside the polling placepolling place

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No person carrying any firearm or any No person carrying any firearm or any other deadly weapon shall enter the other deadly weapon shall enter the polling place except those expressly polling place except those expressly authorized by the Commission; authorized by the Commission;

The voters shall fall in line in the order of The voters shall fall in line in the order of their arrival in the polling place and cast their arrival in the polling place and cast their votes in the same order. their votes in the same order.

Voters shall not crowd around the table of Voters shall not crowd around the table of the BEI and shall immediately depart after the BEI and shall immediately depart after having voted. and having voted. and

There should be no crowding of voters and There should be no crowding of voters and disorderly behavior inside the polling disorderly behavior inside the polling place.place.

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Who May Vote?Who May Vote?

• Registered voters of the precinct Registered voters of the precinct whose voter registration records are whose voter registration records are contained in the Book of Voters OR contained in the Book of Voters OR those whose names appear in the those whose names appear in the EDCVL of the precinct, and EDCVL of the precinct, and

• Those ordered by the courts to be Those ordered by the courts to be included in the list of voters.included in the list of voters.

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Identifying the voterIdentifying the voter

No voter shall be required to present his No voter shall be required to present his voter’s identification card unless his identity is voter’s identification card unless his identity is challenged. challenged. However, the absence of a voter’s However, the absence of a voter’s identification card shall not preclude the voter identification card shall not preclude the voter from voting if :from voting if : his identity can be established in his registration his identity can be established in his registration

record or in any other valid identification record or in any other valid identification document which bears his photograph or specimen document which bears his photograph or specimen signature, or signature, or

he is identified under oath by a member of the BEI. he is identified under oath by a member of the BEI. Such identification shall be reflected in Part E of Such identification shall be reflected in Part E of the Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes. the Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes.

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Voting Steps.Voting Steps.

Chairman announces of Serial Chairman announces of Serial number of ballot to be issued to a number of ballot to be issued to a voter. voter.

BEI enters serial number on the BEI enters serial number on the EDCVL; EDCVL;

Chairman signs back of the ballot. Chairman signs back of the ballot. Chairman folds the ballotChairman folds the ballot Chairman gives the ballot to the Chairman gives the ballot to the

voter. voter.

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Voting Steps.Voting Steps. Voter signs name in the EDCVL. Voter signs name in the EDCVL. Voter fills his ballot in the designated Voter fills his ballot in the designated

areaarea Carbon paper, paraffin paper or other means Carbon paper, paraffin paper or other means

for making a copy of the contents of the for making a copy of the contents of the ballot or make use of any means to identify ballot or make use of any means to identify the voter or his vote ARE PROHIBITED. the voter or his vote ARE PROHIBITED.

Voter folds ballots again and goes back Voter folds ballots again and goes back to BEIto BEI

Voter thumbmarks ballot couponVoter thumbmarks ballot coupon Voter returns folded ballot to the Voter returns folded ballot to the

chairman;chairman;

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Voting Steps.Voting Steps.

Chairman verifies serial number of Chairman verifies serial number of returned ballot. returned ballot.

Voter thumbmarks corresponding Voter thumbmarks corresponding space in the EDCVL. space in the EDCVL.

Chairman applies indelible ink on Chairman applies indelible ink on the voter.the voter.

The Chairman will sign in the The Chairman will sign in the proper space in the EDCVL; proper space in the EDCVL;

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Voting Steps.Voting Steps.

Chairman detaches ballot coupon.Chairman detaches ballot coupon. Chairman deposits folded ballot in Chairman deposits folded ballot in

the compartment of the ballot box the compartment of the ballot box for valid ballots.for valid ballots.

Chairman deposits detached Chairman deposits detached coupon in the compartment for coupon in the compartment for spoiled ballots. spoiled ballots.

Voter departs.Voter departs.

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Illiterate and Disabled Voters.Illiterate and Disabled Voters.

May be assisted by a relative by May be assisted by a relative by consanguinity or affinity within the consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree, or if he has none: fourth civil degree, or if he has none: By any person of his confidence who By any person of his confidence who

belongs to the same household; or belongs to the same household; or By any member of the BEI. By any member of the BEI.

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Illiterate and Disabled Voters.Illiterate and Disabled Voters. No person may assist an illiterate or No person may assist an illiterate or

disabled voter more than three (3) times, disabled voter more than three (3) times, except the members of the BEI.except the members of the BEI.

An Illiterate/ Disabled Voter is one who An Illiterate/ Disabled Voter is one who cannot by himself accomplish his ballot cannot by himself accomplish his ballot because of his physical disability and/or because of his physical disability and/or inability to read and write. No voter shall inability to read and write. No voter shall be allowed to vote as illiterate or be allowed to vote as illiterate or physically disabled unless such fact is so physically disabled unless such fact is so indicated in the PCVL, or the fact of his indicated in the PCVL, or the fact of his disability is apparent from his physical disability is apparent from his physical condition condition

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Close of VotingClose of Voting Voting Voting ends at ends at three o’clockthree o’clock Voters Voters within thirty meters within thirty meters can can

vote.vote. Poll clerk will:Poll clerk will:

List the names of voters. List the names of voters. Call Names of listed voters three times. Call Names of listed voters three times. Any voter in the list who is not present Any voter in the list who is not present

when called shall not be permitted to when called shall not be permitted to vote at any later time. vote at any later time.

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Close of VotingClose of Voting

After the voting is finished, the BEI After the voting is finished, the BEI will will immediately proceedimmediately proceed to count to count the votes cast and ascertain the the votes cast and ascertain the results in the polling place. Unless results in the polling place. Unless otherwise ordered by the COMELEC, otherwise ordered by the COMELEC, the BEI shall not adjourn, postpone or the BEI shall not adjourn, postpone or delay the counting. delay the counting.

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What will happen if because of imminent danger of What will happen if because of imminent danger of violence, terrorism and disorder, the counting violence, terrorism and disorder, the counting process can not be held at the polling place?process can not be held at the polling place?

The BEI may transfer the counting to The BEI may transfer the counting to the nearest safe barangay or school the nearest safe barangay or school building within the municipality by building within the municipality by unanimous approval of the BEI and unanimous approval of the BEI and concurrenceconcurrence by the majority of the by the majority of the watchers present. watchers present.

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Preliminary Activities before Preliminary Activities before Counting of Ballots.Counting of Ballots.

Disposition of Unused BallotsDisposition of Unused Ballots Verification if there are excess Verification if there are excess

and marked ballotsand marked ballots Preparation of the Election Preparation of the Election

Returns and Tally Board for the Returns and Tally Board for the tallying of votestallying of votes

Preparation of Ballots for Preparation of Ballots for ReadingReading

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Counting ProcessCounting Process

BEI unfolds ballots and form BEI unfolds ballots and form separate piles of one hundred (100) separate piles of one hundred (100) ballots each held together by ballots each held together by rubber bands. rubber bands.

BEI Chairman takes ballots of the BEI Chairman takes ballots of the first pile one by one and read the first pile one by one and read the votes in the order in which they votes in the order in which they appear thereon. appear thereon.

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Counting ProcessCounting Process

Poll Clerk records each vote as it is Poll Clerk records each vote as it is read in the read in the Election Returns Election Returns

Third Member simultaneously Third Member simultaneously records each vote as it is read in the records each vote as it is read in the Tally BoardTally Board..

The same procedure will be followed The same procedure will be followed with the succeeding piles of ballots.with the succeeding piles of ballots.

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Steps after Counting.Steps after Counting. BEI records, in words and in figures, the total BEI records, in words and in figures, the total

number of votes obtained by each candidate number of votes obtained by each candidate both in the election returns and in the tally both in the election returns and in the tally board. board.

The entry of votes in words and figures in the The entry of votes in words and figures in the election returns for each candidate will be election returns for each candidate will be closed with the signature and thumbmark of all closed with the signature and thumbmark of all the members, to be affixed in full view of the the members, to be affixed in full view of the public, immediately after the last vote recorded. public, immediately after the last vote recorded.

The ballots read will be put in the envelope for The ballots read will be put in the envelope for valid ballots.valid ballots.

The envelope for valid ballot will be sealed by a The envelope for valid ballot will be sealed by a paper seal.paper seal.

BEI shall records the serial number of the BEI shall records the serial number of the envelope for valid ballots, as well as the of the envelope for valid ballots, as well as the of the paper seal closing it. paper seal closing it.

LENTE

All BEI members will sign and thumb mark the All BEI members will sign and thumb mark the portion of the election returns. The thumb portion of the election returns. The thumb marks must be made in all the copies and the marks must be made in all the copies and the signatures must be reflected in all said signatures must be reflected in all said copies.copies.

The watchers of the 6 principal political The watchers of the 6 principal political parties can then sign and thumb mark the parties can then sign and thumb mark the proper portion of the election returns. The proper portion of the election returns. The thumb marks must be made in all the copies, thumb marks must be made in all the copies, and the signatures must be reflected in all and the signatures must be reflected in all said copies.said copies.

LENTE

Each copy of the Election Returns will be Each copy of the Election Returns will be folded and sealed by Paper Sealsfolded and sealed by Paper Seals

Each copy of the Election Returns properly Each copy of the Election Returns properly folded and sealed will be put in their folded and sealed will be put in their respective envelopes.respective envelopes.

Each of the envelopes will be sealed by a Each of the envelopes will be sealed by a paper seal.paper seal.

The BEI shall record the serial numbers of The BEI shall record the serial numbers of the envelopes and the corresponding the envelopes and the corresponding paper seals paper seals

The BEI will reflect in the Minutes of Voting The BEI will reflect in the Minutes of Voting and Counting all its actions.and Counting all its actions.

LENTE

What documents stay in the What documents stay in the ballot box? ballot box?

Envelope containing: Envelope containing: Used/counted official ballots; Used/counted official ballots; Excess/marked/spoiled/half of torn unused Excess/marked/spoiled/half of torn unused

official ballots; official ballots; Election returns (copy for the ballot box); Election returns (copy for the ballot box); Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes(copy Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes(copy

for the ballot box); for the ballot box); Tally Board; and Tally Board; and Stubs of used pads of official ballots.Stubs of used pads of official ballots.

LENTE

The BEI shall deliver the sealed ballot The BEI shall deliver the sealed ballot box to the box to the city or municipal city or municipal treasurertreasurer, ,

LENTE

The election returns (1st copy) The election returns (1st copy) intended for the city/municipal intended for the city/municipal board of canvassers shall be board of canvassers shall be delivered by the BEI to the board delivered by the BEI to the board of canvassers concerned. of canvassers concerned.

LENTE

Unclaimed election returnsUnclaimed election returns copies copies intended for the dominant majority intended for the dominant majority party, the dominant minority party party, the dominant minority party and the citizens’ arm shall be turned-and the citizens’ arm shall be turned-over to the election officer, who shall over to the election officer, who shall take custody of the same until they take custody of the same until they are claimed by the parties are claimed by the parties concerned.concerned.

LENTE

BEIs accomplishing the Election forms

LENTE

Canvassing and Canvassing and ProclamationProclamation

LENTE

CanvassingCanvassing

Canvassing is the process by which Canvassing is the process by which the Election Returns or the the Election Returns or the Certificates of Canvass, as the case Certificates of Canvass, as the case maybe, are read and the votes of maybe, are read and the votes of every candidates reflected therein every candidates reflected therein are recorded for the purpose of are recorded for the purpose of aggregating votes obtained by all aggregating votes obtained by all candidates. [See Section 28 RA candidates. [See Section 28 RA 7166]7166]

LENTE

ProclamationProclamation

Public Official Announcement of the Public Official Announcement of the Results of the Election.Results of the Election.

The Certificate of Canvass and The Certificate of Canvass and Proclamation for Winning Candidate.Proclamation for Winning Candidate.

Certificates of Canvass for higher Certificates of Canvass for higher office are accomplished, sealed, office are accomplished, sealed, transmitted to higher Canvassing transmitted to higher Canvassing Boards.Boards.

LENTE

City/Municipal CanvassingCity/Municipal Canvassing

Canvass Election Returns Canvass Election Returns Prepare Statement of Votes by Prepare Statement of Votes by

PrecinctPrecinct Prepare Certificate of Canvass for Prepare Certificate of Canvass for

Senators, Party-list, Congress and Senators, Party-list, Congress and Provincial officials Provincial officials

Proclaim winning City/Municipal Proclaim winning City/Municipal candidatescandidates

LENTE

Statement of Votes by Precinct

LENTE

Provincial CanvassProvincial Canvass

Canvass Canvass City/Municipal Certificates of City/Municipal Certificates of CanvassCanvass

Prepare Statement of Votes by Prepare Statement of Votes by City/municipalityCity/municipality

Prepare Provincial Certificates of Prepare Provincial Certificates of Canvass for Senators & Party ListCanvass for Senators & Party List

Proclaim winning Provincial and Proclaim winning Provincial and Congressional candidatesCongressional candidates

LENTE

National CanvassNational Canvass

Done by COMELECDone by COMELEC Canvass Canvass Provincial Certificates of Provincial Certificates of

CanvassCanvass Proclaim the winning SenatorsProclaim the winning Senators

LENTE

i.i. Pre-proclamation controversiesPre-proclamation controversies

ii.ii. Petition for declaration of failure of Petition for declaration of failure of electionselections

iii.iii. Election protestsElection protests

Election ControversiesElection Controversies

Other Operational Other Operational MattersMatters

LENTE

Mobilization CycleMobilization Cycle

NATIONAL TRAINORSNATIONAL TRAINORS

REGIONAL TRAINORSREGIONAL TRAINORS

PROVINCIAL TRAINORSPROVINCIAL TRAINORS

MUNICIPAL TRAINORSMUNICIPAL TRAINORS

WeekendsWeekends APRIL / MAYAPRIL / MAY

1414

2222

2828

55

1212

1414

ORGS:LENTENASSA

NAMFRELPPCRV

OTHERS

LENTE

FLOWCHART - Version 1FLOWCHART - Version 1

COMELEC ---- LENTE ----- NASSA – NAMFREL ----- PPCRVCOMELEC ---- LENTE ----- NASSA – NAMFREL ----- PPCRV Central National Tabulation Center Central National Tabulation Center

Parallel CountParallel Count

MunicialTabulation

Center

PPCRVDiocese

CoV

ER

PRECINCT

MUNICIAPALCanvass

LENTEPPcrv

PROVINCIALCANVASS

ER

COCSov

LENTE

NATIONAL TABULATION CENTERNATIONAL TABULATION CENTERNASSA - NAMFRELNASSA - NAMFREL

PARTICIPATINGORGANIZATIONS

COMMAND POST

ADMINSERVICES

MANCOM

AUDITMEDIA

CENTERSYSTEMSOPERATIONSGENERAL

SERVICES

LENTE

What to expect?What to expect?

1) Primer on LENTE1) Primer on LENTERole vis-avis NASSA-NAMFREL-PPCRVRole vis-avis NASSA-NAMFREL-PPCRV

2) FAQ’s2) FAQ’s 3) Citizen’s Arm3) Citizen’s Arm 4) Circulars on Relevant COMELEC 4) Circulars on Relevant COMELEC

Resolutions regarding access to Resolutions regarding access to LENTE volunteersLENTE volunteers

LENTE

Time and Motion Levelling Expectations

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 3 6 9 12

TIME

RE

SU

LT

S

LENTE/PPCRV

Media Count

NASSA-NAMFREL