Comelec: 372,878 ballots labeled defective, to be reprinted

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez inspects the printing of AES ballots for the May 9, 2022 National and Local Elections, which started at approximately 11:27 A.M on 23 January 2022, at the National Printing Office (NPO). COMELEC/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said a total of 372,878 ballots for the May 9 elections have been labeled defective and are subject for reprinting.

The defective ballots only account for 0.55 percent of the 67.4 million ballots printed.

“372,878 out of [67],442,616 of the total ballots printed. Ito po (These are) defective for reprinting,” Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said in a message to reporters.

Commissioner Marlon Casquejo recently said the reprinting of the defective ballots may finish within the week.

The defective ballots will then be destroyed after the reprinting is completed, said Garcia.

“I complete lang po reprinting  ng lahat at printing ng other forms then destruction na. Mag notice po kami,” he said.

(We will just complete the reprinting and printing of other forms then it will be destroyed. We will send a notice.)

Based on the Comelec’s data, there are 65.8 million registered voters in the upcoming elections.

/MUF