By Gabriela Baron
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore said that a “spoiled” ballot was “inadvertently and unintentionally” given to a voter Monday morning, April 11.
In a statement, the Embassy clarified that the incident was only an “isolated” case.
“It has come to the attention of the Philippine Embassy that some unverified sources allege that pre-shaded ballots have been given to voters who came to the Embassy to cast their vote today. This is not true,” the Embassy stressed.
“The Embassy is aware of only one incident wherein one spoiled ballot from yesterday’s voting exercise was inadvertently and unintentionally given to a voter this morning,” it added.
According to the Embassy, the incident has been recorded in the official overseas voters with voting records (OVF).
“The Embassy assures the public that it is totally committed to provide a system of honest and orderly overseas absentee voting that upholds the integrity of the voting process.”
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections refuted claims about the pre-shaded ballots in Singapore, but said the incident will be probed by the newly formed task force of the poll body.
About 1.6 million overseas Filipino voters started casting their votes for the May 2022 elections on Sunday, April 10. – ag
