Comelec: Distribution of sample ballots is campaigning

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday reminded aspirants that distributing sample ballots before the official campaign period constitutes campaigning.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia also reiterated that handing out sample ballots with candidates' names is prohibited on election day.

"Sample ballots kasi is campaigning. Pag namimigay ka pa ng mga sample ballots, campaigning po 'yun (Sample ballots are a form of campaigning. When you hand out sample ballots, that is campaigning)," Garcia explained.

"Tapos para makaiwas sa election offense of illegal campaigning, bata ang ginagamit para walang criminal liability. Hindi ba, kalimitan mga bata ang pinamimigay ng campaign materials (Then, to avoid committing the election offense of illegal campaigning, children are being used so that they are exempt from criminal liability)?" he added.

With this, voters who plan to use a kodigo or cheat sheet while voting are advised to prepare their own at home rather than receiving sample ballots from certain candidates.

"Maganda mismo yung botante na yung gagawa ng listahan (It's much better for voters to make their own list)," he stressed.

Garcia said the Comelec will distribute over 68 million four-page voter information sheets in April, translated into various Filipino languages.

These sheets will include a list of candidates vying for national and local positions in each voter's respective area.

"Kung ako po, doon na lang ako mamimili. 'Yun ang dadalhin ko sa presinto (If I were them, I would choose from that. That is what I will bring to the voting precinct)," he added.

Garcia vowed that the poll body will strictly enforce the prohibition on distributing sample ballots.

The 90-day campaign period for national candidates — including senators and party-list groups — will run from 11 February to 10 May.

Meanwhile, local candidates will have 45 days to campaign, from 28 March to 10 May.