Comelec reminds voters: Behave, reject sample ballots on election day

Less than a week before election day, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded voters to "behave" and to refuse to accept sample ballots.

In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said that while bringing a mobile phone inside the precincts is not prohibited, he urged voters to refrain from taking pictures and uploading them on Facebook.

"My advice is just don't take any photos and upload them on Facebook. Let's respect the solemnity and process of the election while we're inside the precinct," Garcia told reporters in Filipino in an interview at the National Printing Press Office in Quezon City.

Garcia also reminded voters that it is prohibited to take a picture of the ballot and the screen of the voting machine.

"It's also prohibited to take a picture of the receipt and, of course, to bring the receipt outside the precinct. Let's behave because poll watchers could report you and you could face a case," he added.

Meanwhile, Garcia also told voters to refuse accepting sample ballots cause candidates may use them to confuse the voters.

"They may be used to deceive or confuse you," he added.

Garcia also warned against availing of libreng sakay (free rides) going to the voting precincts and free food.

"Someone could take a picture of you and you could be among those who could be used because that qualifies for vote buying," he added.

Around 68 million Filipinos are expected to cast their votes on Monday.