RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE

CONDUCT OF THE DECEMBER 7, 2019 PLEBISCITE TO

RATIFY THE RENAMING OF THE PROVINCE OF
COMVAL AS PROVINCE OF DAVAO DE ORO
COMELEC RESO NO. 10614
◦ SUPERVISION AND CONTROL
◦ The COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS (COMELEC) shall have supervision and control over the conduct of the
plebiscite

◦ INFORMATION CAMPAIGN
◦ An objective information campaign on the plebiscite shall be conducted from November 7, 2019 to
December 5, 2019
◦ During this period, civic, professional, religious , business, youth and any other similar organizations may
hold symposia, public rallies or meetings to enlighten the voters within the province
◦ All government officials and employees as well as those in government-owned or controlled corporations
with original charters, may publicly express their opinions on any issues related to the plebiscite
◦ In order to maintain an independent and non-partisan status, all Commission officials and its deputies are
prohibited from publicly expressing their opinion on any issue related to the plebiscite
DATE OF PLEBISCITE AND VOTING HOURS
◦ December 7, 2019 (Saturday)
◦ 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
◦ When there are voters present within the 30 meters in front of the polling place who have not yet cast their
votes, voting shall continue without interruption. The poll clerk shall without delay, prepare a list containing
the names of said voters consecutively numbered, and the voters so listed shall be called to vote by
announcing each name repeatedly 3 times in the order in which they are listed. Any voter in the list who is
not present when called shall not be permitted to vote.

AREA OF COVERAGE
◦ Whole of Compostela Valley Province

WHO MAY VOTE

◦ All qualified and duly registered voters of the province, as of May 13, 2019 NLE.
◦ The Information Technology Department (ITD) shall prepare the list of voters for use in the plebiscite.
 LOCATION OF ACCESSIBLE POLLING PLACES
◦ The EOs, in coordination with the school or building officials shall see to it that the APPs are
located on the ground floor for easy access.

PLEBCOM, DESO AND SUPPORT STAFF

◦ The EOs shall, insofar as applicable, constitute and appoint the PlebCom, the DESO and their
Support Staff, the DESO EAPP Support Staff, if any, in accordance with COMELEC Reso No. 10211
dated 03 October 2017 and COMELEC Reso No. 10460 dated 06 December 2018..
◦ For purposes of the plebiscite, the PlebCom and its support staff, the DESO and their support staff
shall be understood as referring to the ‘electoral Boards under RA 10756 (ESRA Law)

DISQUALIFICATION
◦ No person shall serve as chairperson or member of the PlebCom if related within the 4th civil
degree of consanguinity or affinity to any member of the same PlebCom

◦ PROHIBITION AGAINST POLITICAL ACTIVITY

◦ No member of the PlebCom shall, directly or indirectly, take part in the plebiscite,
except to discharge the Member’s duties as such, and to vote.
HONORARIA, ALLOWANCES, SERVICE CREDITS AND OTHER BENEFITS
◦ The PlebCom, the DESO and its support staff (including the DESO EAPP support staff, if
any), shall be entitled to honoraria, allowances, service credits and other benefits
provided under RA 10756 (ESRA Law) as implemented in COMELEC Reso No. 10211
dated 03 October 2017 and COMELEC Resolution No. 10460 dated 06 December 2018

DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

a) Supervise and conduct the voting in the polling place on December 7, 2019;
b) Count the votes and thereafter prepare the plebiscite returns and other required
documents/reports and distribute the same as herein provided;
c) Furnish watchers certificate of votes upon request;
d) Act as deputies of the Commission in the supervision and control of the plebiscite in
the polling places wherein they are assigned;
e) Maintain order within the polling place and its premises;
f) Perform such other functions/duties as may be prescribed by the Commission.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE PLEBCOM
◦ The meeting of the PlebCom shall be public and shall be held in the polling place
authorized by the Commission
◦ The PlebCom shall act through its Chairperson, and shall decide without delay
by majority vote all questions which may arise in the performance of its duties
◦ If, at the time of the meeting of the PlebCom, any member is absent, or the
office is still vacant, the members present shall call upon the substitute of the
absent members to perform the duties of the absent members, and in case such
substitute cannot be found, the members present shall appoint any non partisan
registered voter of the polling place to temporarily fill the vacancy until the
absent member appears or the vacancy is filled.
◦ The member/s of the PlebCom present may order the arrest of any other
member or substitute of such member, who in their judgment, has absented
himself with the intention of obstructing performance of the duties of the
PlebCom.
 PLEBISCITE FORMS & SUPPLIES
1 copy of PCVL and EDCVL (printed by the ITD and certified by the Election Registration Board)

RATE OF DISTRIBUTION PER CLUSTERED

CEF NO. FORMS AND SUPPLIES PRECINCT
PLEBISCITE FORMS
3 Poster Indicating the Clustered Precinct Number 1 piece
5 and 5-A Appointment of Plebiscite Committee 9 pieces
6 Plebiscite Official Ballots 1 piece/voter
9 Plebiscite Returns 1 set of 3 copies
10 Tally Board 1 piece
11 Minutes of Voting & Counting of Votes 1 set of 2 copies
12 Paper Seal of Plebiscite Returns and Corresponding Envelopes 6 pieces
12-B Paper Seal for Envelope of Plebiscite Ballots 1 piece
Paper Seal for Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes and
12-C Envelopes for Other Half of Torn Unused Official Plebiscite Ballots 3 pieces
13 Certificate of Votes for Watchers 10 pieces
Certificate of Receipt of Official Plebiscite Ballots, Other Forms
14 and Supplies by Plebiscite Committee 3 pieces
27-A Official Receipt of Plebiscite Returns 2 pieces
SPECIAL ENVELOPES
15 For Counted Official Ballots
16 For Excess/Marked/Spoiled/Unused Official Plebiscite Ballots
17-1 For Plebiscite returns - PBC
17-B-1 For Plebiscite returns - COMELEC
17-F-1 For Plebiscite returns - Ballot Box
18 For Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes, Copy for COMELEC
18-A For Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes, Copy for Ballot Box
19 For Key of Ballot Box - EO
28 For Plebiscite Official Ballots
 OTHER FORMS

RULES & REGULATIONS

GOVERNING THE CONDUCT OF
THE DECEMBER 7, 2019
PLEBISCITE 3 pieces
SUPPLIES
Ballpen 13 pieces
Permanent Marker 2 pieces
Rubber Band 8 pieces
Packaging Tape 1 piece
Bond Paper (Long) 30 pieces
Carbon Paper 5 pieces
Padlock with Key 1 piece
Thumbprint Taker 1 piece
Plastic Security Seal for Ballot Box 3 pieces
Ballot Secrecy Folder 10 pieces
Indelible Stain Ink 2 bottles
Ballot Box 1 box
DISTRIBUTION OF PLEBISCITE FORMS AND SUPPLIES
◦ Not earlier than first hour of plebiscite day, unless authorized in writing by the PES for early delivery

Conditions for early delivery of forms & supplies:

1. There is considerable distance between the Office of the Municipal Treasurer and location of the polling place;
2. There is lack or difficulty of means of transportation in the area;
3. The total number of precincts in the municipality is such that if the delivery of the official ballots, election returns,
other plebiscite forms and paraphernalia is done early in the morning of plebiscite day, not all the PlebCom may be
able to receive said supplies in time for opening of polls at 7:00 am; or
4. Peace and order conditions in the area justify such advance delivery

PROCEDURE IN THE RECEIPT OF FORMS & SUPPLIES:

1. The EO shall release the PCVL and RDCVL to the PlebCom;
2. Third Member of PlebCom shall post a copy of the PCVL at or near the door of the polling place;
3. Poll Clerk shall take custody of the EDCVL;
4. PlebCom shall check the completeness of the documents and the quantity of the forms and supplies;
5. In case of discrepancy or shortage, shall immediately call the attention of the Municipal Treasurer
6. Forms to be reproduce when needed: Temporary Appointment, Certificate of Challenge or Protest, Oath of Voter
Challenged for Illegal Acts, and Oath of Identification of Challenged Voter
MINUTES OF COUNTING AND VOTING
◦ The PlebCom shall accomplish, in 2 copies, the Minutes of Voting and Counting of Votes (CEF No. 11), entering all
data, acts and incidents as they occur. Copies of the Minutes shall be signed, sealed and placed in separate
envelopes (CEF No. 18 and 18A):
◦ a) Copy for the Commission to be delivered to the EO; and
◦ b) Copy for the ballot box deposited inside ballot box compartment for valid ballots

OFFICIAL BALLOTS
◦ One (1) ballot per voter
◦ Voter will vote “yes” or “oo” or its conceptual equivalent or will vote “no” or “hindi” or its conceptual equivalent
to the question:

“PUMAPAYAG KA BA NA PALITAN ANG PANGALAN NG LALAWIGAN NG COMPOSTELA

VALLEY AT GAWING LALAWIGAN NG DAVAO DE ORO ALINSUNOD SA BATAS REPUBLIKA
BILANG 11297?”
_______________
SAGOT
PRELIMINARIES TO VOTING:
◦ Shall meet at the polling place at 6:00am on plebiscite day
◦ See to it that it has all the plebiscite forms, documents and supplies needed
◦ Post 1 copy of the PCVL at the door of the polling place
◦ Post the Poster Indicating the Precinct Number and Location of Polling Place (CE Form No.
3) near or at the door of the polling place
◦ Place the ballot secrecy folder on top of the desk/chair
◦ Before the voting begins, Chairperson shall:
◦ Open the ballot box, empty its compartments, exhibit them to all present, and being empty, lock its interior cover
with 1 padlock; and
◦ Show to the public and to the watchers present the package of Official Ballots. Enter in the Minutes the number of
pads and serial numbers of the ballots in each pad, and the fact that the package of the ballots was shown to the
public
◦ The interior cover of the ballot box shall remain locked until voting is finished and the
counting begins.
PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE THE POLLING PLACE
◦ PlebCom members;
◦ Watchers, in the place reserved for them;
◦ Voters casting their votes;
◦ Voters waiting for their turn to vote;
◦ Voters waiting for their turn to get the ballots; and
◦ Others who are specifically authorized by the Commission

PERSONS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE THE POLLING PLACE

◦ Unless authorized by the Commission, it is unlawful for the following to enter any polling place, except to vote:
◦ Any officer/member of the PNP/AFP, unless they are members of the PlebCom
◦ Any peace officer/armed person belonging to any extra-legal police agency, special forces, strike forces, CAFGU,
Barangay Tanods, or other similar forces
◦ Incumbent Barangay Officials, whether elected or appointed

◦ PlebCom, by majority vote, may order in writing, duly entered in the Minutes, the detail of PNP/AFP for their
protection or protection of documents/paraphernalia
◦ Where there is actual disturbance or disruption of peace and order, the PNP/AFP may enter the polling place
even without written order of the PlebCom
VOTING PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERS OF THE PLEBCOM
◦ Members of the PlebCom who are not registered voters of the precinct
where they are assigned, may vote in said precinct, if:

◦ a) They are registered voters of the municipality where they are rendering service
◦ b) Their voting in the precinct where they are assigned are noted in the Minutes; and
◦ c) Their names, actual precinct assignments, places of registration (barangay level) are added in the
EDCVL
ORDER OF VOTING
◦ Voters shall vote in the order of their entrance/arrival in the polling place

MANNER OF OBTAINING BALLOTS

◦ Voter shall look for his name in the PCVL posted near the door
◦ Approach the PlebCom member of the precinct, give his/her name
◦ PlebCom shall verify the name and establish identity through photograph in the EDCVL
◦ If PlebCom is satisfied with voter’s identity, name of voter distinctly announced long enough to
be heard throughout the polling place; if not satisfied, PlebCom shall inform the voter and
thereafter direct the voter to leave the polling place
◦ If the voter is not challenged, or having been challenged, the question decided in the voter’s
favor, voter shall be directed to Chair of PlebCom
◦ Before giving ballot, the Chair shall check voter’s fingernails if already stained with indelible ink.
If stained, voter is informed and not allowed to vote. If not stained, Chair shall sign the portion
of the EDCVL, authenticate the ballot by signing at the back of the ballot, instruct the voter on
how to fill the ballot, fold the ballot in a manner that its face is covered, give the ballot to the
voter and require the voter to sign in the portion of the EDCVL
◦ Failure to authenticate the ballot shall not invalidate the ballot but shall constitute as an
election offense
MANNER OF ACCOMPLISHING THE BALLOT
◦ The voter, upon receiving the folded ballot, shall, using the ballot secrecy
folder, accomplish the ballot by writing “YES” or “OO” or its conceptual
equivalent, or “NO” or “HINDI” or its conceptual equivalent in the blank box
after the question

◦ Prohibition on voting:
◦ Bring ballot and/or ballot secrecy folder outside the polling place;
◦ Speak with anyone;
◦ Accomplish/fill ballot without using the ballot secrecy folder or exhibit its contents;
◦ Fill ballot accompanied by another, except in case of illiterate or PWD voter;
◦ Use carbon paper, paraffin paper or other means of making a copy of the contents of the ballot, or
otherwise make use of any other scheme to identify the voter’s vote, including use of digital cameras,
cellular phones with camera or similar gadgets;
◦ Intentionally tear or deface the ballot; and
◦ Disrupt or attempt to disrupt the proceedings of the PlebCom.
SPOILED BALLOTS
◦ If voter accidentally spoils or deface the ballot in such a way it could no longer be lawfully used, voter shall surrender
the ballot folded in the same way as it was given to the Chair who shall write the word “spoiled” in the space above the
serial number portion of the EDCVL
◦ The spoiled ballot without removing the detachable coupon be distinctly marked with word “spoiled” and signed by
the Chair at the back thereof and immediately placed in compartment of ballot box for spoiled ballots
◦ Voter is given another ballot duly authenticated by the Chair and recording said serial number above the word
“spoiled”. If 2nd ballot is again spoiled or defaced, the same shall be surrendered to the Chair. No voter shall change
ballot more than once.

◦ PROCEDURE AFTER VOTING

◦ After accomplishing the ballot, voter shall fold it in the same manner as it was received
◦ In presence of all members of the PlebCom, voter shall, without unfolding the ballot, return the folded ballot to the Chair
◦ Chair, in the presence of all members of the PlebCom, shall verify whether the ballot is the same ballot issued to the voter by
comparing serial number earlier recorded in the EDCVL
◦ If serial number is not the same, the ballot shall be considered spoiled. Spoiled ballot, without being unfolded and detachable
coupon removed, be distinctly marked “spoiled” and signed by the Chair at the back and immediately placed in compartment for
spoiled ballots. Incident must be recorded in the Minutes
◦ If serial number is the same, Poll Clerk shall require the voter to put his thumb mark in the corresponding space in the ballot coupon
◦ Chair then apply indelible ink on the right forefinger of the voter, or base of any fingernail if there is no forefinger
◦ If voter refuses to be stained, the Chair will inform voter that his/her ballot will be considered spoiled. If despite being informed,
voter still refuses to be stained, ballot shall be considered spoiled, and so marked, signed, and recorded in the Minutes
◦ Chair shall detach the ballot coupon in the presence of the PlebCom and voter, deposit folded ballot in the ballot compartment for
valid ballot, and the detached coupon to compartment for spoiled ballot
◦ Voter shall then leave the polling place
ASSISTOR FOR ILLITERATE, PWDs OR SENIOR CITIZENS
◦ Relative within the 4th civil degree of consanguinity or affinity
◦ If no relative, may be assisted by a person of the voter’s confidence belonging to the
same household which may include personal assistant, caregiver, or nurse
◦ Any member of the PlebCom

Note:
- All assistors must be of voting age
- Cannot assist more than 3 times, except the members of the PlebCom
- In all cases, Poll Clerk shall verify first from illiterate, PWD or Senior Citizen voter whether
such voter has authorized the assistor to assist in accomplishing the voter’s ballot
- Assistor shall be bound in writing and under oath
- No voter shall be allowed to vote as illiterate or PWD unless so indicated in the EDCVL,
unless in the case of PWD, the disability is apparent
- PWDs, SCs or pregnant women shall always be given priority or preference in the order of
voting (express lane)
CHALLENGE AGAINST ILLEGAL VOTER
◦ Any voter or watcher may challenge any person offering to vote for a) not being registered b)using the name of another, or c)
suffering from existing disqualification
Note:
- No voter shall be required to present registration record or voter’s identification unless identity is challenged.
- Even if voter is unable to present valid identification documents, voter shall be allowed to vote if a) voter’s identity can
be established based on voter’s picture or signature, or identified under oath by any member of the PlebCom; or b)
identified by another voter of the same barangay, and such identification is reflected in the Minutes

CHALLENGE BASED ON CERTAIN ILLEGAL ACTS

◦ a) received or expected to receive, paid, in offered or promise to pay, contributed, offered or promise to contribute money or
anything of value in consideration of the person’s vote or vote of another;
◦ b) made or received a promise to influence the giving or withholding of any such vote; or
◦ c) made a bet or is interested directly or indirectly in a bet which depends upon the results of the plebiscite
Note:
- in case challenged person takes an oath denying having committed any illegal acts, PlebCom shall dismiss the challenge
and voter be allowed to vote
- in case the voter refuses to take the oath, then PlebCom shall sustain the challenge and voter shall not be allowed to
vote

RECORD OF CHALLENGES, OATH AND RESOLUTION

◦ Poll Clerk shall record in the Minutes all challenges, oaths taken, and the resolutions of the PlebCom. Poll Clerk shall attach copies of the
challenges, oaths and resolutions in the Minutes, and upon termination of voting, certify that the Minutes contain all challenges, oaths and
resolutions made
PROHIBITION AGAINST PREMATURE ANNOUNCEMENT OF VOTING
◦ No member of the PlebCom, before termination of voting, make any announcement as to whether a voter has already voted, as to
how many already voted, or failed to vote or any other fact tending to show state of polls

DISPOSITION OF UNUSED BALLOTS

◦ Chair, in presence of all members of the PlebCom, shall record in the Minutes the quantity of unused ballots, together with the serial
numbers; thereafter tear the unused ballots in half lengthwise, put one half in envelope (CEF 16-A), and submit to EO for safekeeping;
put the other half in another envelope for the purpose (CEF 16-B) and deposit the envelope inside compartment for valid ballots
◦ The fact of tearing as well as putting one half in an envelope for submission to the EO, and putting other half in another envelope and
depositing the same in the ballot box shall also be entered in the Minutes

COUNTING OF VOTES PUBLIC AND WITHOUT INTERRUPTION

◦ PlebCom shall publicly count in the polling place the votes cast and ascertain the results
◦ PlebCom shall not adjourn or delay the count, unless otherwise ordered by the Commission
◦ At all times, ballot boxes and all documents shall be within close view of the watchers and public
◦ In reading of the official ballots, members of PlebCom shall assume such positions as to provide the watchers and the public
unimpeded view of the proceedings
◦ Any violation shall constitute an election offense

TRANSFER OF COUNTING OF VOTES TO SAFER PLACE

◦ On account of imminent danger of widespread violence, terrorism, disorder or similar causes of comparable magnitude, the EO may
authorize the PlebCom to count votes and accomplish plebiscite returns in another public building within the municipality
◦ Provided, transfer shall have been recommended by the PlebCom and transfer is to the nearest safe public building within the
municipality
◦ This fact is recorded in the Minutes
PRELIMINARIES TO THE COUNTING OF VOTES
◦ A) PlebCom shall unlock the padlock, open the interior covers of the box, take out the ballots from the compartment
for valid ballots, and proceed to examine the ballots:
◦ Excess ballots – count the number of ballots in the compartment for valid ballots, and compare with the number of
voters who actually voted. If there are more ballots than there are voters who actually voted, all ballots shall be
returned to the compartment for valid ballots and thoroughly mixed therein. Poll Clerk shall publicly draw out as
many ballots as may be equal to the excess, without unfolding them, and place them in the envelope for Excess
Ballots.
◦ Ballots with detachable coupons – in case a ballot with undetached coupon is found in the ballot box, the coupon
shall be removed and deposited in the compartment for spoiled ballots. The ballots shall be included in the pile of
valid ballots.
◦ Ballots with the word “spoiled” – if a ballot with the word “spoiled” should be found in the compartment for valid
ballots, it shall be placed in the corresponding Envelope for Spoiled Ballots.

◦ B) PlebCom shall unfold the ballots and determine whether there are any marked ballots. If found any, they shall be
placed in an Envelope for Marked Ballots which shall be sealed and signed by the PlebCom and placed in the
compartment for valid ballots. The marked ballots shall not be counted.
◦ Majority of the PlebCom shall be sufficient to determine whether a ballot is marked or not.
◦ Non official Ballots shall be considered marked ballots, except those which have been used as emergency ballots

NOTE:
Ballots deposited in the compartment for spoiled ballots shall be presumed to be spoiled , whether or not they
contain such notation. However, if during voting a valid ballot was erroneously deposited in the spoiled ballots, the
PlebCom shall open the compartment after voting and before counting to draw out the erroneously deposited
ballot therein. Valid ballots so withdrawn will be mixed with other valid ballots. Such facts shall be recorded in the
Minutes.
MANNER OF COUNTING OF VOTES

◦ PlebCom shall unfold the ballots and form separate piles of 100 ballots each held together by rubber bands.
Chair shall take the ballots of the first pile one by one and read what was voted
◦ Poll Clerk shall take hold of the plebiscite returns; Third Member shall tack the tally board on the
blackboard within the plain view of the PlebCom, watchers and public
◦ Poll Clerk and Third Member shall record simultaneously each vote as it is read
◦ After finishing the first pile, the PlebCom shall count the tallies for the Affirmative and Negative votes and
record the sub-totals
◦ Poll Clerk and Third Member shall compare the tallies reflected in the plebiscite returns and tally board. In
case of discrepancy, a recount shall be made
◦ Same procedure shall be followed with subsequent piles of ballots
◦ Sum up the sub-totals of recorded Affirmative and Negative Votes and enter grand total in words and in
figure in plebiscite returns and tally board. See to it that results are clearly impressed in other 2 copies
◦ Sign and affix thumb marks on certification portion
◦ Place counted ballots in an envelope for the purpose, close envelope with serially numbered paper seal,
sign and deposit the same in the compartment for valid ballots. The tally board, certified by the PlebCom
shall also be deposited in the compartment for valid ballots
 RULES FOR APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
a. When two words are written on the ballot, one of which is a “yes” or “oo” and the other “no” or “hindi”, the vote shall not be
counted for either;
b. A vote incorrectly written which, when read, has a sound similar to a “yes” or “oo” when correctly written shall be counted in
favor of a “yes” or “oo”;
c. A vote incorrectly written, when read, has a sound similar to a “no” or “hindi” when correctly written shall be counted in
favor of a “no” or “hindi”
d. When a vote is written elsewhere in the ballot other than the space provided, the vote shall be counted in favor of such vote,
unless it is used as a means to identify the voter, in which case, the whole ballot shall be void;
e. When a vote appears in the appropriate space in the ballot and in another space elsewhere in the ballot, the vote shall be
counted in favor of the vote written inside the box, except when the other vote written elsewhere in the ballot is used as a
means to identify the voter, in which case, the whole ballot shall be void;
f. When in the space provided in the ballot there appears a vote that is erased and another clearly written, the vote clearly
written should be counted;
g. Ballots which contain prefixes are valid;
h. Any vote which is illegible or which does not sufficiently identify the vote intended shall be considered as a stray vote;
i. Any ballot written with a crayon, lead pencil, or in ink, wholly or in part, shall be valid;
j. Ballots with a vote printed and pasted on the ballot or affixed thereto through any mechanical process are totally null and
void;
RULES FOR APPRECIATION OF BALLOTS
k. Circles, crosses or lines put on the ballot shall be considered as signs to
indicate his desistance from voting and shall not invalidate the ballot;
l. Unless it should clearly appear that they have been deliberately put by the
voter to serve as identification marks, commas, dots, lines, or hyphens in the
ballot, the first letters or syllables of a vote which the voter does not continue,
the use of two or more kinds of writing and unintentional or accidental
flourishes, strokes or strains, shall not invalidate the ballot;
m. Any ballot which clearly appears to have been filled by two distinct persons
before it was deposited in the ballot box during the voting is totally null and void;
n. The accidental tearing or perforation of a ballot does not annul it; and
o. The failure to remove the detachable coupon from a ballot does not annul
such ballot.
PREPARATION OF THE PLEBISCITE RETURNS

◦PlebCom shall prepare plebiscite returns simultaneously with the

counting of votes
◦Returns shall be prepared in 3 copies
◦Each copy shall be signed and thumbmarked by the PlebCom and
watchers, if the latter are available, sealed with paper seal, placed
in the envelope provided for the purpose, which envelope shall
likewise be sealed with a paper seal, and distributed under proper
receipt as follows:
a) First copy to the Municipal Plebiscite Board of Canvassers;
b) Second copy to the Election Records and Statistics Department (ERSD) of the Commission in Manila;
and
c) Third copy shall be deposited inside the ballot box
CERTIFICATE OF VOTES
◦ After counting of votes and announcement of results, PlebCom shall issue Certificate of
Votes (CEF No. 13) upon request. It shall be signed and thumbmarked by all members of
the PlebCom. The PlebCom shall require the requesting party to acknowledge receipt of
the Certificate of Votes

ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
◦ Upon completion of the plebiscite returns, the Chair of the PlebCom shall orally and
publicly announce the total number of Affirmative and Negative Votes cast and counted
in the precinct.

ALTERATIONS AND CORRECTIONS OF PLEBISCITE RETURNS

◦ Any alteration in the plebiscite returns by the PlebCom before the announcement of the
results shall be duly initialed by all members thereof.
◦ After announcement of the results, the PlebCom shall not make any alteration or
amendment in any of the copies of the plebiscite returns, unless ordered by the
Commission.
DISPOSITION OF BALLOT BOXES, KEYS, PLEBISCITE RETURNS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS
a) Place the following documents inside the compartment of the ballot box for valid ballots:
1. Envelopes containing the counted official ballots, excess/marked/spoiled and one-half torn unused official ballots,
Plebiscite Returns (copy for the ballot box), Minutes of Voting and Counting (copy for the ballot box)
2. Tally Board; and
3. Stubs of used official ballots

b) Close the interior covers of the ballot box, lock with one padlock and seal with one seal with steel wire, and lock the outer
cover of the ballot box with two padlocks.
1. The serial number of the seal with steel wire shall be recorded in the Minutes of Voting and Counting before the same
is deposited inside the ballot box.
2. The keys to the padlocks shall be placed in a separate envelope which shall be sealed and signed by all members of the
PlebCom, and submitted to the EO

c) Deliver the ballot box as well as all documents and supplies, to the Municipal Treasurer, accompanied by watchers.
1. In case the ballot box delivered by the PlebCom is not locked, the Municipal Treasurer shall lock the ballot box, and
report such incident to the EO

d) Deliver to the EO the following:

1. Envelope containing the plebiscite returns copy for the ERSD;
2. Envelope containing the keys to the ballot box;
3. Envelope containing a copy of the Minutes of Voting and Counting;
4. Envelope containing the other half of torn unused ballots.
Note:
◦ The PlebCom shall also ensure that before delivery of the ballot box to the Municipal
Treasurer, they shall seal the lid of the ballot box with packaging tape in such a way that
the lid cannot be opened without destroying the packaging tape, and with all the
members of the PlebCom and all watchers, if any, affixing their signatures on said
packaging tapes.

◦ OMMISSION OR ERRONEOUS INCLUSION OF DOCUMENTS IN THE BALLOT BOX

◦ If after locking and sealing the ballot box, the PlebCom discovers that some plebiscite
documents were not placed therein, the PlebCom, instead of opening the ballot box,
shall deliver the same to the EO.
◦ In no instance shall the ballot box be re-opened to place or to take out therefrom any
document, except to retrieve copies of the plebiscite returns which will be needed for
the canvass, and with prior authority from the PES
◦ In case the PlebCom fails to place the envelope containing the counted ballots inside the
ballot box, the EO shall, with notice to the proponent and oppositor, deposit the
envelope in a separate ballot box, which shall be sealed, padlocked and stored in a safe
place in his office. Said ballot box shall remained locked and sealed unless otherwise
ordered by the Commission.
 THE END
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THANK YOU

ABDUL KADER L. TAMBUANG, JR.