THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday advised the public not to list down their preferred candidates, or “kodigos,” in their mobile phones, the use of which is prohibited inside polling precincts on May 9.
“Don’t place your kodigo (cheat sheet) in your cellphones as you might be accused of using it to photograph your ballot,” said Elections Commissioner George Garcia in a virtual press forum.
Garcia said while the carrying of mobile phones inside polling precincts is allowed, using them is considered an election offense.
“You can bring cellphones when you vote but you shouldn’t use them there,” he said, adding: “Let us not take selfies inside polling precincts. This is especially for first time voters. Voting is not meant for taking selfies.”
Aside from using cellphones, the Comelec official also advised the public against wearing campaign shirts when casting their votes on May 9 because this might be interpreted as a form of campaigning on Election Day.
“Let us avoid wearing shirts bearing the name or face of the candidates. It is already prohibited to campaign on Election Day,” he said,
However, Garcia said voters can wear colored clothes identified with specific bets.
“We respect the right of every voter to wear whatever colored shirt they want when they vote,” said Garcia.
The last day of campaigning is set on May 7 for both national and local candidates.
Campaigning outside the official campaign period is considered as an election offense.
