Voters can bring their phones with them when they vote on May 9, the Commission on Elections said Wednesday as it appealed for restraint in taking selfies inside polling precincts.
While bringing mobile phones is allowed, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Erwin Garcia said voters are discouraged from using these while casting their vote since poll watchers might mistake them for taking photos of the ballot—a prohibited act.
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For those who are thinking of saving their election kodigo on their phones, Garcia advised writing this on paper instead.
"Hindi po namin ipinagbabawal ang pagdadala ng cellphone sa bawat presinto. Hindi rin po yan kukumpiskahin or iiwanan sa lamesa ng electoral board, baka mawala pa iyan," Garcia said during a Palace press briefing.
Garcia also called on voters to avoid taking selfies inside the polling precinct since this could contribute to chaos during the elections.
"Sana po kung may dala mang cellphone ang ating mga kababayan e huwag na lang po doon pa magse-selfie-selfie sa loob pa ng presinto lalo pa 'yong mga first time, siyempre excited makaboto," he said.
More than half of registered voters for the May 9 elections are young Filipinos or millennials and Gen Zs.
The COMELEC has earlier said that Filipinos don't have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to cast their votes on May 9 but must wear a mask when they do so.