By Minka Klaudia Tiangco and Leslie Ann Aquino
A Commission on Elections (Comelec) official said almost all of the official ballots to be used in the overseas personal voting have already been shipped to various countries.
Comelec Office for Overseas Voting Director Elaiza Sabile-David said 100 percent of the ballots for automated personal voting have been shipped as of Sunday.
About 90 percent of the ballots for manual personal voting have also been shipped, David added.
A total of 1.8 million ballots were printed by the Comelec for the overseas absentee voters.
Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs officials from different countries continue to undergo training with the Comelec in preparation for the automated elections.
The overseas absentee voting will be held from April 13 to May 13.
Comelec rules state that those living abroad can only vote for candidates who are running for national seats—the Senate and the House.
‘Malasakit’ posters
The Comelec has requested the Department of Health (DOH) to remove "Malasakit Center” posters that bear the name and face of senatorial candidate Bong Go from government hospitals in view of the prevailing ban on propaganda materials placed in government-owned and controlled establishments.
“We requested the DOH to remove posters in Malasakit Centers government hospitals,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said in her Twitter account (@commrguanzon).
“No posters or images of candidates on government buildings,” said Guanzon.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop center which aims to help the needy on their health and medical concerns.
The poll official also revealed that all candidates with illegal posters were already sent notices.
"We, at Comelec, sent notices to all candidates who have illegal posters," said Guanzon.