Comelec to uploader of ‘pre-shaded ballots’ video: File a complaint

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO / Faye Orellana

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) called on the uploader of the viral video showing alleged “pre-shaded ballots” in Lanao del Sur to file a complaint to authorities.

“We encourage whoever has information on this video to come forward and file a complaint. If it is the original uploader themselves then the better,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press briefing at the Comelec on Thursday.

Jimenez was referring to a viral video showing only a person’s hand that appears to be shading multiple ballots in Lanao del Sur.

READ: Comelec probing viral video of ‘pre-shaded’ ballots

Jimenez also said the Comelec asked Facebook and appropriate authorities for assistance concerning the uploaded video.

“Nag-request kami ng assistance from Facebook and perhaps refer to the appropriate authorities for forensic analysis,” he said.

No context

The Comelec spokesperson said they have yet to determine the context behind the pre-shaded ballots due to lack of information shown in the video.

“I can confirm the existence of video. If you look at the video even Internally there is little to tell you who is doing the shading ano siya sa konteksto ng halalan,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said they need to determine the scope and limitation of the video and how it would affect the results in the 2019 May midterm polls.

“Kailangan malaman natin kung ano ang scope ng limitation na yun. Kung ano yung parts ng election maapektuhan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Jimenez said they are not dismissing the video as “fake” as they need to seek more information in the video.

“We are not dismissing it as fake. We are not making that determination yet alamin muna namin ang detalye,” he said. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)