The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed two poll watchers in Abra after a viral video showed them filling out ballots for senior citizens, a clear violation of election rules.
The video, which was posted by netizen Joy Bernos and has garnered over 20 million views, captured the two poll watchers shading ballots for two elderly voters, with sample ballots visibly used as a guide.
Comelec Chair George Garcia confirmed the poll watchers’ removal, emphasizing their lack of authority to assist voters. “They have no right, they have no power, and they have no authority, these watchers, to become assisters in a precinct,” Garcia stated in Filipino.
According to election guidelines, only a voter’s relatives or designated electoral board members are permitted to help senior citizens in casting their votes. The Comelec has also warned that polling authorities who allowed the unauthorized assistance may face consequences.
Poll watchers are designated by candidates or political parties to monitor the electoral process, ensuring transparency and compliance with voting procedures.
