GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Report to Coordinators to make sure listed as an official poll watcher

2. Make sure to receive the following credentials:
a. Letter of Authority/Appointment
b. Official Poll Watcher’s ID
3. Receive official instructions and format for transmission of election results via text message to
Coordinators
4. Bring credentials and other paraphernalia on Election Day

PRE-VOTING (5AM – 6AM)

1. Voting time is from 6AM to 7PM.1

2. Opening of VCM box is 5AM.
3. Be at the assigned Polling Place as early as 4:30AM
4. Bring your credentials and other paraphernalia:
a. Letter of Authority/Appointment
b. Official Poll Watcher’s ID
c. Ball Pen
d. Notebook
e. Cellphone
f. Camera
g. Flashlight
5. Present one (1) copy of Authorization/Appointment to the Electoral Board (‘EB’) Chairperson
6. Sign in the Minutes
7. Stay at the place designated for poll watchers
8. Document the proceedings and take down notes, as necessary.
9. Note down the following:
a. Ballot box number
b. Serial numbers of the official ballots
c. Number of ballots manually counted by the BEI Chairman
d. Whether the VCM box is sealed before opening
e. Whether the ballot box is empty and then locked with four (4) seals
f. Whether the package of official ballots is duly sealed before breaking the seal
g. The contents of the VCM box after opening
h. Names of the EB and support staff
i. Names of watchers of other political parties
10. Verify that the Initialization Report shows zero (0) votes for each candidate upon opening
11. Verify the geographic information (District/Province, City/Municipality, Barangay, voting center,
precincts in a cluster) are correct
12. Verify that the Memory Card Slot and Back-up memory card slot remains sealed

1
Resolution No. 10727 Section 49.
VOTING (6AM – 7PM)

1. Stay at the place designated for poll watchers and make sure that there is a full or unimpeded
view of the following:
a. Table where election proceedings are being conducted
b. Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL)
c. VCM.
2. Ensure that the EB Chairperson is authenticating the ballot by signing at the designated space at
the front thereof.
3. Challenge illegal voters once the BEI Chairman has announced the name of the person intending
to vote but before he is given any ballot.
4. Make sure that all incidents are recorded in the Minutes of Voting and Counting.
5. Demand the exclusion from the polling place of persons not allowed inside.
6. Make sure that the indelible ink is applied on every voter’s right index fingernail after the voter
returns the ballot secrecy.
7. In case of an illiterate or disabled voter, ask the BEI Chairman to verify from the EDCVL if the
voter is registered as an illiterate or physically disabled.
8. Keep track of the number of voters who have cast their votes. Voting is first come first serve.
Giving numbers to voters to determine sequence of voting is strictly prohibited
9. Make sure the ballot box remains locked during voting
10. Take note of the number of unused official ballots.
11. Brief the substitute watcher on what has transpired during the shift.

COUNTING, TRANSMISSION & PRINTING OF RESULTS (7PM)

1. Stand behind the EB Chairman and Poll Clerk as the ‘Close Function’ of the VCM is being done.
2. Verify that the first eight (8) copies of the Election Returns (ERs) are immediately printed.
3. Sign the first eight (8) copies of the ERs.
4. Verify that the EB placed the ERs in their corresponding envelopes and sealed with a paper seal.
5. Verify that the total number of votes received by each candidate, stating their corresponding
offices is announced.
6. Verify that the posting of a copy of the ERs on a wall within the Polling Place that is sufficiently
lighted and accessible to the public is announced.
7. Verify that the EB has successfully transmitted the ERs and the Transmission Report is printed
8. Demand that any failure of transmission is recorded in the Minutes.
9. Verify that the procedure for closing voting in the VCM Manual is followed up to write-
protecting the Main SD Card.
10. Verify that the Main SD card from slot ‘A’ (black) is removed and placed inside the envelope.
11. Verify that the battery is disconnected from the VCM machine.
12. Verify that the battery cables are disconnected from the battery.
13. Verify that the power cable of the VCM machine is disconnected from the electrical outlet.
14. Verify that the power cable is disconnected from the VCM machine.
15. Verify that the VCM box is closed and sealed.
16. Verify the number of unused ballots.
17. Verify that the remaining twenty-two (22) ERs are printed and verify that the results are the
same as with the first eight (8) copies.
18. Verify that the unused ballots are torn in half and placed in the corresponding envelopes.
19. Send the results to the Coordinator in accordance with format to be provided.
DISPOSITION OF VCM AND ELECTION PARAPHERNALIA

1. Get a copy of the ER.

2. If unable to get a copy of the ER, remember that one copy of the ER has been posted on wall
within the Polling Place. Take a photo of the posted ER and copy the results for President and
Vice President.
3. Observe the sealing of the ERs and the envelopes used.
4. Observe the closing of the ballot box with the security seal.
5. Sign the seal of the ballot box.
6. Accompany the delivery of the ballot box to the city/municipal treasurer and the other
paraphernalia to the Election Officer (EO).
7. Verify that the ballot box and election paraphernalia have been turned over to the EO and
city/municipal treasurer.

8.
 9.
GENERAL NOTES
POLL WATCHERS’ QUALIFICATIONS 2

1. registered voter of the city or municipality;

2. is of good moral character;
3. has not been convicted by final judgement of any election offense or of any other crime;
4. knows how to read and write Filipino, English or the prevailing local dialect; and
5. is not related within the fourth (4th) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to the chairperson,
or any other member of the Electoral Board (‘EB’) or member of the Board of Canvassers
(‘BOC’), Consolidation and Canvassing System Operators (‘CCSO’), Reception and Custody Group
(‘RCG’), and support staff;
6. Not a barangay official including a barangay tanod.

WHO MAY APPOINT WATCHERS3

1. Each candidate, duly registered political party or coalition of political parties, associations or
organizations participating in the Party-List System, and duly accredited citizens' arms, may
appoint in every polling place two (2) watchers who shall serve alternately.
2. Candidates for Senator, Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod,
and Sangguniang Bayan belonging to the same party or coalition, shall collectively be entitled to
one (1) watcher collectively.
3. civic, religious, professional, business, service, youth, and any other similar organizations, with
prior authority of the Commission, shall be entitled collectively to appoint one (1) watcher in
every polling place

If the space in a polling place reserved for watchers is insufficient, preference shall be given to the
watchers of the dominant majority and dominant minority parties, as determined by the Commission.
Watchers of the citizens' arm shall be given preferential position closest to the EB.

POLL WATCHERS’ RIGHTS/DUTIES 4

1. Stay in the space reserved for them inside the polling place, except if the space in a polling place
for watchers is insufficient, preference shall be given to the watchers of the dominant majority
and dominant minority parties;
2. Witness and inform themselves of the proceedings of the EB;
3. Take notes of what they may see or hear;
4. Take picture, image, photo, or video of the proceedings and incidents, if any, during Final
Testing and Sealing, counting of votes, transmission and printing of election returns provided
the secrecy of the ballot shall be maintained at all times. No taking pictures, images, photos, or
videos during shading of ballots and feeding in the Voting Counting Machine (‘VCM’);
5. File a protest in writing against any irregularity or violation of law which they believe may have
been committed by the EB or by any person present;
6. Obtain from the EB a certificate as to the filing of such protest and/ or the Resolution thereof;

2
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 46 (voting); Comelec Resolution 10731, Section 27 (canvassing).
3
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 47 (voting); Comelec Resolution 10731, Section 27 (canvassing).
4
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 47 (voting); Comelec Resolution 10731, Section 27 (canvassing).
 7. Position themselves near the chairperson of the EB, observing the one-meter physical distancing
requirement, while the chairperson is publicly announcing the precinct results;
8. Watchers representing the dominant majority and dominant minority parties, and the citizen’s
arm shall, if available, affix their signatures and thumbmarks in the election returns;
9. Witness the opening of the VCM Box on election day; 5
10. Witness the shaking or opening of ballot boxes if necessary to make room for more ballots; 6
11. Sign the paper seals and envelopes containing the printed electoral returns (ERs); 7
12. Sign the sealed ballot box;8
13. Accompany the delivery of the ballot box; 9

5
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 57.
6
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 45.
7
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 84.
8
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 85.
9
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 85.
CHALLENGING ILLEGAL VOTERS10

1. Grounds:
a. not registered;
b. using the name of another;
c. suffering from an existing disqualification;
2. EB shall determine the truthfulness of the ground for the challenge by requiring proof of
registration, identity, or qualification. In case the identity of the voter is challenged, the EB shall
identify the voter’s specimen signature and photo in the Election Day Computerized Voters’ List
(‘EDCVL’);
3. In the absence of any of the above-mentioned proof of identity, any member of the EB may
identify under oath a voter personally known to the former, which act of identification shall be
recorded in the Minutes.

CHALLENGING ILLEGAL ACTS11

1. Grounds:
a. Received or expects to receive, paid, offered or promised to pay, contributed, offered or
promised to contribute money or anything of value as consideration for his/her vote or
for the vote of another;
b. Made or received a promise to influence the giving or withholding of any such vote; or
c. Made a bet or is interested directly or indirectly in a bet that depends upon the results
of the election.
2. The challenged voter may take an oath before the EB that said voter has not committed any of
the acts alleged in the challenge. Upon taking such oath, the challenge shall be dismissed, and
the voter shall be allowed to vote.
3. In case the voter refuses to take such oath, the challenge shall be sustained, and the voter shall
not be allowed to vote.

PERSONS ALLOWED INSIDE POLLING PLACE12

1. Members of the EB and support staff, if any;

2. Watchers who shall stay only in the space reserved for them;
3. Representatives of the Commission;
4. DESO Technical Support Staff assigned in the voting center;
5. EAPP Support Staff;
6. Voters casting their votes and their assistors, if any;
7. Voters waiting for their turn to cast their vote;
8. Jail/Prison Escorts escorting POL voters; or
9. Other persons who may be specifically authorized by the Commission.

10
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 59.
11
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 59.
12
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 63.
PERSONS NOT ALLOWED INSIDE POLLING PLACE EXCEPT TO VOTE 13

Unless specifically authorized by the Commission, it is unlawful for the following persons to enter the
polling place, or to stay within a radius of fifty (50) meters from the polling place, except to vote:

1. Any officer or member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine National Police;
2. Any peace officer or any armed person belonging to any extralegal police agency, special forces,
reaction forces, strike forces, Civilian Armed Force Geographical Units, barangay tanods or other
similar forces or para-military forces, including special forces, security guards, and special
policemen;
3. All other kinds of armed or unarmed extra-legal police forces; or
4. Any barangay and SK official, whether elected or appointed.

The EB may, by a majority vote if it deems necessary, order in writing the detail of policemen or peace
officers for its protection or for the protection of the election documents and paraphernalia. In which
case, the said policemen or peace officers shall stay outside the polling place within a radius of thirty
(30) meters near enough to be easily called by the EB at any time, but never at the door, and in no case
shall the said policemen or peace officer hold any conversation with any voter or disturb or prevent or in
any manner obstruct the free access of the voters to the polling place. Such order shall be recorded in
the Minutes.

VOTERS SHOULD NOT14

1. Bring the ballot, ballot secrecy folder or marking pen outside of the polling place;
2. Speak with anyone other than persons provided in Resolution 10727 while inside the polling
place;
3. Prepare the voter’s ballot without using the ballot secrecy folder, or to exhibit its contents;
4. Fill out the voter’s ballot accompanied by another, except in the case of voting by assistor;
5. Erase any printing from the ballot, or put any distinguishing mark on the ballot;
6. Use of capturing devices such as but not limited to digital cameras, cellular phones with camera,
or other means to copy the contents of the ballot, or otherwise make use of any other scheme
to identify his vote;
7. Intentionally tear or deface the ballot; or
8. Disrupt or attempt to disrupt the normal operations of the VCM.

13
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 64.
14
Comelec Resolution 10727, Section 66.
 FINAL TESTING AND SEALING PROCEDURES
DATE/TIME/VENUE

On any scheduled day from 02 to 07 May 2022 15 to be announced by 18 April 2022 (last day to post
notice of the date, time and place of testing and sealing of VCMs) 16

GENERAL PROCEDURES17

1. Retrieve the VCM from its box.

2. Show to the public that the VCM slots labeled ‘A’ and ‘B,’ where the main and back-up SD cards
are individually stored, are sealed. These slots shall remain sealed throughout the FTS
procedure.
3. Place the VCM properly on top of the ballot box.
4. Open the thermal paper printer cover and ensure that the roll of official thermal paper is
properly installed.
5. Close the thermal paper printer cover.
6. Retrieve the battery cables inside the VCM box, connect the cables to the battery and connect
the other end of the battery cable to the VCM DC power port.
7. Connect the power adaptor to the AC power port of the VCM and plug the other end of the
adaptor to the electrical outlet.
8. Turn on the VCM to display the Device Information and the Home screen.
9. Check the Date and Time at the top-left corner of the screen. If the date and/ or time is
incorrect, perform the following procedures:
a. The EB Chairperson shall place his/her iButton on top of the iButton security key
receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon.
b. A message ‘SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE’ and the role of the EBs will be
displayed on the screen;
c. Select ‘CHAIRPERSON’ profile. The VCM will display the message ‘INPUT YOUR PIN’ Enter
the role PIN of the EB Chairperson.
d. From the Election menu, select the ‘UTILITIES’ option and choose ‘CHANGE SYSTEM
DATE AND TIME’
e. The system will display message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB CHAIRPERSON TO CONFIRM THE
EXECUTION OF CHANGE SYSTEM DATE AND TIME’ Enter the role PIN of the EB
Chairperson.
f. The screen, to change the date and time, will display with CANCEL and CHANGE button.
Press the DOWN or UP arrows to adjust the date and time.
g. Press the ‘CHANGE’ button. A message prompt, ‘CHANGE DATE AND TIME COMPLETED
SUCCESSFULLY,’ will appear with DONE button.
h. Press DONE button to return to the UTILITIES sub-menu.
i. Press X mark in the bottom left corner of the screen to return to the Election menu.
10. The certified IT-capable EB member shall perform the following VCM DIAGNOSTIC procedures:
a. From the Election menu, select ‘DIAGNOSTICS’ option;
b. The VCM will display the ‘DIAGNOSTICS’ Menu. Click the rounded-arrow button to scroll
down the screen. Select ‘RUN ALL’ option; and

15
Resolution No. 10727, Section 52
16
Resolution No. 10695
17
Resolution No. 10754
c. After choosing ‘RUN ALL,’ the VCM will then display the message ‘AUDIO DIAGNOSTIC’
test for speaker and headphone tests.
 To test the VCM speaker: The VCM will display ‘PLAYING SOUNDS ...’ and
automatically play sounds on the VCM speaker.
 The VCM will display the message ‘DID YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS?’ with ‘YES’ and
‘NO’ buttons. Press ‘YES’ if you heard the sounds, or ‘NO’ if you did not.
 After checking the speaker, the VCM will test the audio for headphone: If the
headphone is connected, the VCM will automatically display ‘PLAYING SOUNDS ... ‘
 The VCM will display the message ‘DID YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS THROUGH THE
HEADPHONE?’’ with ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ buttons Press ‘YES’ if you heard the sounds, or
‘NO’ if you did not.
 If the headphone is not connected, the VCM will display the message ‘CHECKING
HEADPHONE CONNECTION... THE HEADPHONES ARE DISCONNECTED. CONNECT
THEM.’ Connect the headset to the audio port or press the ‘THE HEADPHONE JACK
MARKED AS DEFECTIVE.’
 The VCM will automatically play the sounds displaying the message ‘PLAYING
SOUNDS…’
 The VCM will display the message ‘DID YOU HEAR THE SOUNDS THROUGH THE
HEADPHONES?’ with ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ buttons. Press ‘YES’ if you heard the sounds, or
‘NO’ if you did not.
d. The VCM will automatically proceed to the screen of testing the CAST and RETURN
Buttons.
 The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE PRESS THE CAST BUTTON.’ Press the
GREEN BUTTON with ‘✓,’ located on the right side of the screen.
 The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE PRESS THE RETURN BUTTON.’ Press the
RED BUTTON with ‘X’ located on the right side of the screen.
e. The VCM will automatically perform the ETHERNET DIAGNOSTIC. It will display the
message ‘DETECTING NETWORK INTERFACES ... PLEASE MAKE SURE THE NETWORKING
CABLE OR MODEM DEVICE IS CONNECTED.’ Plug in the ethernet cable or press ‘MARK
DIAGNOSTIC AS FAILED’ if modem will be used for transmission.
f. After testing the ethernet, TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTICS shall now be performed by the
VCM. It will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE GSM TRANSMISSION DEVICE.’ The
following messages shall appear in this sequence:
 ‘TRANSMITTING THE DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE TO THE CENTRAL: CENTRAL SERVER
(ATTEMPT 1 OF 2)’.
 If the first transmission attempt failed, it will display the message, ‘DIAGNOSTIC
TRANSMISSION ATTEMPT TO CENTRAL: CENTRAL SERVER FAILED. THE CONNECTION
TO THE SERVER COULD NOT BE ESTABLISHED.’ The VCM will automatically re-
transmit to the Central Server with message ‘TRANSMITTING THE DIAGNOSTIC
MESSAGE TO CENTRAL: CENTRAL SERVER (ATTEMPT (2 OF 2)).’
 If TRANSMISSION DIAGNOSTICS is successful, the message will be displayed: ‘THE
DIAGNOSTIC MESSAGE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TRANSMITTED TO THE CENTRAL:
CENTRAL SERVER.’
 Afterwards, the message will be displayed ‘PLEASE REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION
DEVICE.’
g. The VCM will automatically proceed to the PRINTER DIAGNOSTIC. At this point, the VCM
will display the message ‘PRINTING IMAGE’ while simultaneously printing the image on
the thermal paper. The image to be printed is also displayed on the VCM screen.
 After printing the image, the VCM will display the message ‘WAS THE IMAGE PRINTED
CORRECTLY?’ with ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ buttons. Press ‘YES’ if it was correctly printed, or ‘NO’
if it was not.
h. The VCM shall now perform the POWER DIAGNOSTIC.
 The message ‘TESTING BATTERY’S CHARGER CONNECTION... PLEASE MAKE SURE
THAT THE BATTERY IS CONNECTED AND T􀁂IEN DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD’ will
be displayed. Connect the Battery to the VCM battery port.
 The message ‘PLEASE DISCONNECT THE POWER CORD’ will then be displayed.
Disconnect the power cord, after which the message ‘THE POWER CORD IS
DISCONNECTED’ will be displayed.
 The message ‘PLEASE CONNECT THE POWER CORD’ will be displayed. Connect the
power cord, then the message ‘THE POWER CORD IS CONNECTED’ will be displayed.
i. The VCM will then proceed to the TOUCHSCREEN DIAGNOSTIC with the following
instructions:
 ‘PRESS THE MARK ON TOP-LEFT CORNER.’ Press the blinking circle on the screen.
 ‘PRESS THE MARK ON TOP-RIGHT CORNER.’ Press the blinking circle on the screen.
 ‘PRESS THE MARK ON BOTTOM-RIGHT CORNER.’ Press the blinking circle on the
screen.
 ‘PRESS THE MARK ON BOTTOM-LEFT CORNER.’ Press the blinking circle on the
screen.
j. The VCM will now proceed to SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC and displays the message
‘CONNECTING TO THE SCANNER DEVICE. PLEASE WAIT ... ‘. Wait for the VCM to display
the message, ‘PLEASE INSERT THE DIAGNOSTIC BALLOT.’
 Insert one (1) FTS ballot.
 The screen will display ‘PROCESSING THE FRONT FACE’ and then ‘PROCESSING THE
BACK FACE.’
 The VCM screen will display the images of both sides of the ballot. The first image to
be displayed shall be based on which side of the ballot was facing upward when
inserted.
 Press ‘NEXT’ button to see the other side of the ballot image.
 Press the ‘PREVIOUS’ button to return to return to the first ballot image.
 Press ‘+’ button to zoom-in the image. To navigate the screen, press the screen and
move your finger up or down to view the top or bottom of the ballot image.
 Press ‘-’ button to zoom-out the image.
 Press ‘BACK’ button to continue with the test.
 The VCM will display the message ‘DO THE IMAGES CORRESPOND TO THE PHYSICAL
BALLOT?’ with ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ options. Press ‘YES’ if the images correspond to the
physical ballot, or ‘NO’ if it does not correspond.
 If the scanner passed all of the foregoing tests, the VCM will display the message
‘SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC WAS SUCCESSFUL’.
 The VCM will now automatically return to the ‘VCM DIAGNOSTIC’ screen and display
‘✓’ on ‘Scanner.’
 If no FTS ballot inserted, the VCM will display the message, ‘SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC
COULD NOT BE COMPLETED. THE SCANNER REPORTS ITSELF AS IN ERROR STATE’
with DONE button.
k. The VCM will now proceed to IBUTTON DIAGNOSTIC.
 The message will display ‘PLEASE INSERT THE IBUTTON.’
  The Chairperson will place his/her iButton security key on top of the iButton security
key receptacle and will then display message ‘THE IBUTTON HAS BEEN DETECTED
SUCCESSFULLY.’
l. The VCM will now display the message ‘USB PORTS DIAGNOSTIC’ with the following
instructions:
 ‘INSERT THE USB DEVICE IN THE UPPER PORT. IF THERE ARE ANY USB DEVICES
ALREADY INSERTED, REMOVE THEM.’ PRESS HERE IF USB IS NOT DETECTED’.
 Insert USB in the upper USB port. If the USB is not detected by the VCM, press the
button PRESS HERE IF USB IS NOT DETECTED’’
 The VCM will then display the message ‘PLEASE REMOVE THE USB DEVICE FROM
THE UPPER PORT,’ with the Serial Number.
 The VCM will then display the message ‘INSERT THE USB DEVICE IN THE LOWER
PORT. IF THERE ARE ANY USB DEVICES ALREADY INSERTED, REMOVE THEM.’ ‘PRESS
HERE IF USB IS NOT DETECTED’’
 Insert USB in the lower USB port. If the USB is not detected by the VCM, press the
button PRESS HERE IF USB IS NOT DETECTED
 The VCM will then display the message ‘PLEASE REMOVE THE USB DEVICE FROM
THE LOWER PORT,’ with the Serial Number.
m. The VCM will proceed to the SD MEMORY DIAGNOSTIC with message ‘ALL THE
REQUIRED STORAGE DEVICES WERE DETECTED.’ After which it will check and display the
detected SD specifications: Serial Number, Total Size, Free Space, Write Speed and Read
Speed.
n. After all the components have been tested, the VCM will automatically print the
Diagnostic Report. The messages ‘PRINT DIAGNOSTIC REPORT’ and ‘GENERATING THE
REPORT. . . SAVING THE REPORT. . . PRINTING THE REPORT. . .’ will be displayed on the
screen while simultaneously printing the report.
o. Detach the printed diagnostic report and place the same inside the envelope (A17-TS)
provided for the purpose.
p. After printing the diagnostic report, if some tests were skipped or unsuccessful, the VCM
shall display the messages:
 ‘SOME ACTIVITIES WERE NOT COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.’
 UNSUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES: [NO. OF UNSUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES]
 SKIPPED ACTIVITIES: [NO. OF SKIPPED ACTIVITIES’ with DONE button. Click the DONE
button to return to the DIAGNOSTICS MENU.
UNSUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES refer to ‘Failed’ status on the printed Diagnostic Report,
and SKIPPED ACTIVITIES refer to ‘Not Executed’.
 Press the DONE button to go back to the Diagnostics Menu.
q. Click the ‘X’ button in the bottom-left part of the screen to return to the Election Menu.
11. The IT-capable EB member will then select ‘OPEN VOTING’. The VCM will display the message
‘INPUT PIN FOR EB CHAIRPERSON TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF OPEN VOTING’. Enter the
authorized password/pin of the CHAIRMAN. The VCM will display the registration of the EB Poll
Workers.
a. To enroll the name of the assigned EB Chairperson:
 Press ‘ASSIGN’ button beside the EB Chairperson. The VCM will display ‘PLEASE
ENTER THE EB CHAIRPERSON NAME.’
 Enter the EB Chairperson’s name and press ‘ASSIGN’ button.
b. To enroll the name of the assigned EB Poll Clerk:
  Press ‘ASSIGN’ button beside the EB Poll Clerk. The VCM will display ‘PLEASE ENTER
THE EB POLL CLERK NAME’
 Enter EB Poll Clerk’s name and press ‘ASSIGN’ button.
c. To enroll the name of the assigned EB Third Member:
 Press ‘ASSIGN’ button beside the EB Third Member. The VCM will display ‘PLEASE
ENTER THE EB THIRD MEMBER NAME’
 Enter EB Third Member’s name and press ‘ASSIGN’ button.
d. To replace the registered name, press ‘REMOVE’ button corresponding to the EB name.
e. Press on the ‘ASSIGN’ button to input the new EB information.
f. Press the check mark (✓) at the bottom-right of the screen to automatically print the
Initialization Report.
12. The messages ‘OPEN POLLS’ and ‘GENERATING THE REPORT... SAVING THE REPORT... PRINTING
REPORT...’ will appear on the screen while simultaneously printing the Initialization Report. The
report will show Zero (0) vote for each candidate including the graphic information
(District/Province, City /Municipality, Barangay, voting center, precincts in a cluster), machine
ID, clustered precinct ID, VCM status, number of registered voters, number of voters who
actually voted, and number of valid ballots cast.
13. After printing the Initialization Report, the VCM will display the message ‘OPEN POLLS
COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY’’; ‘THE DEVICE STATE HAS BEEN UPDATED’ with DONE button. Press
DONE button.
14. Detach the Initialization Report. The Chairperson, Poll Clerk, Third Member, and including the
representatives of the political parties, candidates, or citizens’ arms present, shall affix their
signatures thereon. Place the Initialization Report in the envelope (A17-TS) provided for the
purpose.
15. From the Election Menu, press the ‘GO TO VOTING’ button. The VCM will print the STATUS
REPORT and will then display the message, ‘GO TO VOTING COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.’;
‘VOTING HAS BEEN ENABLED ON THIS DEVICE.’ with DONE button. Press ‘DONE’ button.
16. The VCM is now ready to accept ballots. At this time, the VCM screen will display the message
‘TO GET STARTED, INSERT ONE BALLOT AT A TIME, IN ANY ORIENTATION INTO THE SCANNER
SLOT.’
17. Ensure that the INSERT BALLOT screen displays the following details:
a. The VCM shall interpret the ballot. The message ‘YOUR BALLOT IS BEING PROCESSED’
will be displayed on the screen.
b. After processing, the VCM will display the following messages: ‘YOUR VOTE IS BEING
CAST. PLEASE WAIT.’ Another message will be displayed ‘YOUR VOTE IS BEING PRINTED’
while simultaneously printing the voter’s receipt.
c. The messages, ‘DEPOSITING THE BALLOT IN THE BOX’ and ‘YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN CAST.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING’ will be displayed in the screen, respectively.
18. After the ten (10) voters have cast their votes, perform CLOSE VOTING with the following
procedures:
a. The Poll Clerk will place his/her iButton security key on top of the iButton security key
receptacle, apply slight pressure thereto, after which the VCM will display message
‘SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE’;
b. Select ‘EB MEMBERS.’ The VCM will display the message ‘SELECT THE USER TO
AUTHENTICATE’ with ‘EB POLL CLERK’ and ‘EB THIRD MEMBER’ options.
 Select ‘EB POLL CLERK.’
 The VCM will display the message ‘INPUT YOUR PIN,’
  Enter the role PIN of EB Poll Clerk. A message ‘THE USER EB POLL CLERK WAS
AUTHENTICATED SUCCESSFULLY’ appears on the screen and the VCM will return to
the previous display - ‘SELECT THE USER TO AUTHENTICATE’.
 Select ‘EB THIRD MEMBER’
 The VCM displays ‘INPUT YOUR PIN.’ Enter the role PIN of EB Third Member.
19. The VCM shall then display the ELECTION MENU. From the ELECTION MENU, choose the option
CLOSE VOTING.
20. After choosing Close Voting, the VCM shall display the message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB POLL CLERK
TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING.’ After successfully inputting the role PIN for EB
Poll Clerk, the VCM will display the message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB THIRD MEMBER TO CONFIRM
EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING.’ Input the role PIN of the EB Third Member.
21. The screen to add signatures to the election results will prompt with message ‘Press NEXT TO
ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS. (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF SIGNATURES]
along with DIGITAL SIGNATURES ALREADY ADDED: 0 and the NEXT button. The Chairperson shall
press ‘NEXT.’
a. The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE MEMORY TOKEN TO BE
REGISTERED’ with CANCEL button.
b. The CHAIRPERSON will place his/her iButton with external certificate on top of the
iButton security key receptacle and apply pressure thereon. The VCM will display
message ‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
c. Wait until the VCM displays the message ‘PLEASE INPUT THE IBUTTON PIN.’ The
Chairperson shall now enter his/her external digital signature password.
d. The VCM shall thereafter display the message ‘DIGITAL SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY
ADDED.’
e. The VCM shall again display the screen for adding digital signature with message, ‘DO
YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES:
[NO. OF SIGNATURES]’ along with the DIGITAL SIGNATURES ALREADY ADDED: 1 and the
‘YES’ and ‘NO’ options. The EB Poll Clerk shall press ‘YES.’
f. The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE MEMORY TOKEN TO BE
REGISTERED’ with CANCEL button.
g. The EB Poll Clerk will place his/her iButton with external certificate on top of the iButton
security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the
message ‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
h. Wait until the VCM displays ‘PLEASE INPUT THE IBUTTON PIN.’ The EB Poll Clerk shall
now enter his/her external digital signature password. The VCM shall thereafter display
the message ‘DIGITAL SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY ADDED.’
i. The VCM shall again display the screen for adding digital signature with message, ‘DO
YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES:
[NO. OF SIGNATURES]’ along with the DIGITAL SIGNATURES ALREADY ADDED: 2 and the
‘YES’ and ‘NO’ options. The EB Third Member shall press ‘YES.’
j. The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE MEMORY TOKEN TO BE
REGISTERED’ with CANCEL button.
k. The EB Third Member will place the iButton with external certificate on top of the
iButton security key receptacle and apply pressure thereon. The VCM will display
‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
l. Wait until the VCM displays the message ‘PLEASE INPUT THE IBUTTON PIN.’ The EB Third
Member shall now enter his/her external digital signature password.
22. The VCM displays the message, ‘CHANGING THE VOTING MACHINE STATE TO CLOSED.’ The VCM
 shall automatically print the eight (8) copies of the NATIONAL returns and eight (8) copies of the
LOCAL returns. Detach the election returns and place them in the envelope provided for the
purpose.
23. After printing the eight (8) copies of National returns and eight (8) copies of Local returns, the
system will display message ‘DO YOU WANT TO TRANSMIT THE ELECTION RESULTS?’ with ‘YES’
or ‘NO’ options. Choose ‘NO.’ For purposes of FTS, no transmission of election results will be
performed.
24. The VCM will then print the twenty-two (22) copies of National returns and twenty-two (22)
copies of Local returns. For the purpose of FTS, there will be NO printing of additional 22 copies
of ERs. To CANCEL the printing perform the following procedures:
a. Open the thermal printer cover and wait until the VCM will display the message ‘THE
REPORT COULD NOT BE PRINTED. TO RETRY THE PRINTING PROCESS, PRESS ‘RETRY’
BUTTON. TO CANCEL THE PRINTING PROCESS, PRESS ‘SKIP’ BUTTON.’
b. Press ‘SKIP’ button to cancel the printing of the National Election Returns. Wait until the
above message will again be displayed.
c. Press ‘SKIP’ button again to cancel the printing of the Local Election Returns.
25. After skipping the printing of the twenty-two (22) copies of the National returns and twenty-two
(22) copies of the Local returns, the VCM will automatically print the STATISTICAL REPORT.
26. After printing the VCM Statistical Report, the system will display message ‘CLOSE POLLS
COMPLETED WITH WARNINGS. THE REPORT COULD NOT BE PRINTED. THERE IS NO
INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR TALLY.’ with DONE button. Press DONE button to return to the
Election Menu.
27. The Chairperson shall now Re-Zero the VCM. From the Election Menu, the Chairperson shall
select ‘UTILITIES’ then choose the ‘RE ZERO’ option.
28. The message ‘INPUT PIN FOR RE-ZERO’ will be displayed on the screen. The Chairperson shall
then input the re-zero PIN.
29. The message, ‘YOU ARE ABOUT TO DELETE 10 BALLOTS. ARE YOU SURE TO PROCEED?’ with YES
and NO buttons, press the YES button.
30. While the VCM is re-zeroing all data, it will display the message ‘ENSURING THAT VOTE
COUNTERS ARE SET TO ZERO...’
31. The VCM shall then print the RE-ZERO REPORT.
32. After the printing of Re-zero Report, the message ‘THE SYSTEM NEEDS TO SHUTDOWN. TO SHUT
DOWN THE SYSTEM PRESS THE ‘OK’ BUTTON. REZERO HAS BEEN COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY’
will be displayed. Press OK button to shut down the VCM.

MANUAL VERIFICATION OF RESULTS18

1. The EB shall retrieve the accomplished ballots from the ballot box, manually count the votes
therein, and accomplish the manual Election Returns (ERs) provided for the purpose.
2. The Chairperson shall verify the ballots to determine whether there is over-voting (when the
number of votes for a position has been exceeded). If there is an over-vote in a position, no vote
shall be counted in favor of any candidate for the said position;
3. The Chairperson shall take the ballots one by one, and read the names of candidates voted for
and the offices for which they were voted in the order in which they appear thereon;
4. The Poll Clerk shall record on the manual ER the vote as the names voted for each office are
read. Each vote shall be recorded by a vertical line, except every fifth vote which shall be

18
Resolution No. 10727, Section 54.
 recorded by a diagonal line crossing the previous four vertical lines;
5. After finishing the ten (10) ballots, the Poll Clerk shall determine the total number of votes
obtained by each candidate; and
6. The EB shall sign the certification portion of both ERs and compare the results of the manually-
prepared ER with that of the machine-generated ER. If the results of both ERs are not the same,
the EB shall review/ re-appreciate the ballots to determine the discrepancy. If still there is a
discrepancy, the EB shall call on the assigned DESO technical support staff who shall provide
technical assistance. The DESO technical support shall report such incident to the NTSC and the
EO concerned.

DISPOSITIONS AFTER FINAL TESTING19

After the Final Testing and Sealing, the EB shall:

1. Ensure that the VCM is properly sealed and secured inside the VCM box. Thereafter, leave the
VCM box, ballot box, and external battery inside the polling place or any secured room in the
Voting Center.
2. Submit to the EO the envelope the Envelope for Counted FTS Ballots, FTS Election Returns and
Other Reports (A 17-FTS) containing the following and seal the same with a paper seal (CEF No.
A12):
a. Diagnostic Report;
b. Initialization Report;
c. Eight (8) copies of National and Local returns;
d. Manual ER;
e. Counted ballots; and
f. Vote Receipt.

After Final Testing and Sealing, the VCM box shall be opened again only on 09 May 2022 not earlier than
five o'clock in the morning, and in the presence of watchers, if any.

19
Resolution No. 10727, Section 56.
 VOTING DAY PROCEDURES
PRE-VOTING20

1. The EB shall meet not later than 5:00AM in the morning of Election Day
2. Ensure that the VCM box and the ballot box are inside the polling place
3. Set-up the polling place. As far as practicable, the EB shall designate at least five (5) seats
exclusively for PWDs, SCs and heavily pregnant voters
4. Strategically arrange the chairs and tables to be used inside the polling place in such a way that
they are at least one (1) meter away/apart from each other;
5. Post one (1) copy of the PCVL of each precinct in the cluster, near or at the door of the polling
place, preferably the pages/ sheets are spread out to give free access to voters who are checking
their names in the list if there is space.
6. Show to the watchers and the public present the following:
a. VCM box is sealed;
b. Ballot box is empty and thereafter, lock with four (4) seals; and
c. Package of official ballots is duly sealed, and thereafter, break the seal.
7. For precinct/clustered precinct with Persons Deprived of Liberty (‘PDL’) Voters and with a
special polling place, the EB of the said regular polling places shall, using the EDCVL-PDL:
a. Annotate the PDLs' names in the EDCVL with ‘PDL Voter’;
b. Affix their initial beside the annotation;
c. Enter in the Minutes the number of PDL and the fact that their names were annotated
with ‘PDL Voter
d. In the presence of the SEB-PDL support staff, segregate the ballots intended for the
PDLs, and insert the same in a folder;
e. Place the folder inside an envelope, close and seal the same using a paper seal. The
envelope and paper seal shall be provided by the SEB-PDL support staff;
f. The SEB-PDL shall affix their initials on the paper seal;
g. Turn over the envelope containing the PDL ballots to the SEB-PDL support staff;
h. The SEB-PDL shall enter into the Minutes the name of the SEB-PDL support staff, the
number of paper seal of the envelope and the time the ballots were picked up;
i. The SEB-PDL shall require the EB-PDL Support Staff to sign the entry; and
j. Thereafter, the SEB-PDL support staff escorted by uniformed PNP, BJMP, BuCor or
provincial jail personnel shall immediately deliver the ballots to the SPP.
8. Remove the paper seal of the VCM box
a. Open the VCM box
b. Check whether the following are inside the VCM box:
i. VCM
ii. Power cord of the VCM and battery cable;
iii. Main SD and back-up SD cards already installed;
iv. Remaining rolls of thermal paper inside the VCM box;
v. The three (3) Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) for operating the VCM; the
three (3) iButtons; and three (3) PINs for re-zeroing;
vi. The checklist of the contents of the VCM box;
vii. USS modem with SIM card and one (1) contingency SIM card
(Smart/Globe/Sun);
viii. Four (4) cleaning sheets;

20
Resolution No. 10727, Section 73.
 ix. Twenty (20) Marking Pens; and
x. One (1) paper seal for VCM box (A12-B) to be used at the end of Election Day to
close the VCM box
c. Retrieve the iButtons and security PINs from the VCM box and distribute the same
among themselves. The RE-ZERO PINs shall remain inside the VCM box.
d. Retrieve the VCM from its box.
e. Show to the public that the slots labeled ‘A’ and ‘B’ containing the main SD and back-up
SD cards, respectively, are sealed.
f. Perform the VCM operations in accordance with the VCM Manual.

VCM PROCEDURES ON OPENING OF VOTES21

1. Retrieve the VCM from its box.

2. Show to the public that the VCM slots labeled ‘A’ and ‘B,’ where the main and back-up SD cards
are individually stored, are sealed.
3. Place the VCM properly on top of the ballot box.
4. Open the thermal paper printer cover and ensure that the roll of official thermal paper is
properly installed.
5. Close the thermal paper printer cover.
6. Retrieve the battery cables inside the VCM box, connect the cables to the battery and connect
the other end of the battery cable to the VCM DC power port.
7. Connect the power adaptor to the AC power port of the VCM and plug the other end of the
adaptor to the electrical outlet;
8. Turn on the VCM to display the Device Information and the Home screen.
9. Check the Date and Time at the top-left corner of the screen. If the date
and/or time is incorrect, perform the following procedures;
a. The EB Chairperson shall place his/her iButton on top of the iButton security key
receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon.
b. A message ‘SELECT THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE’ and the role of the EBs will be
displayed on the screen;
c. Select ‘CHAIRPERSON’ profile. The VCM will display the message ‘INPUT YOUR PIN.’
Enter the role PIN of the EB Chairperson.
d. From the Election Menu, select the ‘UTILITIES’ option and choose ‘CHANGE SYSTEM
DATE AND TIME.’
e. The system will display message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB CHAIRPERSON T0 CONFIRM THE
EXECUTION OF CHANGE SYSTEM DATE AND TIME’. Enter the role PIN of the EB
Chairperson.
f.The screen, to change the date and time, will display with CANCEL and CHANGE button.
Press the DOWN or UP arrows to adjust the date and time.
g. Press the ‘CHANGE’ button to display message ‘CHANGE DATE AND TIME COMPLETED
SUCCESSFULLY.,’ with DONE button.
h. Press DONE button to return to UTILITIES submenu.
i. Press ‘X’ mark at the bottom-left of the screen to return to the Election Menu.
10. The EB Chairperson will now perform the OPEN voting process;
a. Select ‘OPEN VOTING.’ The VCM will display the message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB
CHAIRPERSON TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF OPEN VOTING.’ Enter the role PIN.

21
Resolution No. 10727, Section 74.
 b. The VCM will display the registration of the EB Poll Workers.
1. To enroll the name of the assigned EB Chairperson:
 Press ‘ASSIGN’ button beside the EB Chairperson. The VCM will
display ‘PLEASE ENTER THE EB CHAIRPERSON NAME.’
 Enter the EB Chairperson’s name and press ‘ASSIGN’ button.
2. To enroll the name of the assigned EB Poll Clerk;
 Press ‘ASSIGN’ button beside the EB Poll Clerk. The VCM will
display ‘PLEASE ENTER THE EB POLL CLERK NAME’
 Enter the EB Poll Clerk’s name and press ‘ASSIGN’ button.
3. To enroll the name of the assigned EB Third Member;
 Press ‘ASSIGN’ button beside the EB Third Member. The VCM
will display ‘PLEASE ENTER THE EB THIRD MEMBER NAME’
 Enter the EB Third Member’s name and press ‘ASSIGN’ button.
4. To replace the registered name, press ‘REMOVE’ button to delete the
registered EB information.
5. Press the check mark (✓) at the bottom-right of the screen to automatically
print the Initialization Report.
c. The messages ‘OPEN POLLS’ and ‘GENERATING THE REPORT... SAVING THE REPORT...
PRINTING REPORT...’ will appear on the screen while simultaneously printing the
Initialization Report. The report shall show Zero (0) vote for each candidate including the
geographic information (District/Province, City/Municipality, Barangay, voting center,
precincts in a cluster), machine ID, clustered precinct ID, VCM status, number of
registered voters, number of voters who actually voted, and number of valid ballots
cast.
d. After printing the Initialization Report, the VCM will display the message ‘OPEN POLLS
COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY. THE DEVICE STATE HAS BEEN UPDATED’ with DONE button.
Press ‘DONE’ button.
e. Detach the Initialization Report. The Chairperson, Poll Clerk, Third Member, and
including the representatives of the political parties, candidates, or citizens’ arms
present, shall affix their signatures thereon. Place the Initialization Report in the
envelope (A17-TS) provided for the purpose.
f. From the Election Menu, press the ‘GO TO VOTING’ button. The VCM will print the
STATUS REPORT and will then display the message, ‘GO TO VOTING COMPLETED
SUCCESSFULLY.;’ ‘VOTING HAS BEEN ENABLED ON THIS DEVICE.’ with DONE button.
Press ‘DONE’ button.
11. The VCM is now ready to accept ballots. At this time, the VCM screen will display the message
‘TO GET STARTED, INSERT ONE BALLOT AT A TIME, IN ANY ORIENTATION INTO THE SCANNER
SLOT.’
12. After the voter inserted the filled ballot in the ballot entry slot, the VCM shall interpret the
ballot.
a. The message ‘YOUR BALLOT IS BEING PROCESSED’ will be displayed on the screen.
b. After processing, the VCM will display the following messages: ‘YOUR VOTE IS BEING
CAST. PLEASE WAIT.’ Another message will be displayed ‘YOUR VOTE IS BEING PRINTED’
while simultaneously printing the voter’s receipt.
c. The messages, ‘DEPOSITING THE BALLOT IN THE BOX’ and ‘YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN CAST.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING’ will be displayed in the screen, respectively.
OBTAINING BALLOTS22

1. The voter shall:

a. Upon entering the Voting Center, proceed to the designated Voter's Assistance Desk
(VAD) to secure the precinct and sequence numbers and assigned clustered precinct;
and
b. 2. Proceed to the assigned clustered precinct and approach any member of the EB or its
Support Staff, and state their names, precinct number, and sequence numbers.
2. The Poll Clerk shall:
a. Verify if the name of the voter is in the EDCVL to establish that the voter is assigned in
that polling place. If the voter's name is not in the EDCVL, the voter shall not be allowed
to vote, and shall be requested to leave the polling place.
b. If the voter's name is found, check, without touching the voter, the fingernails, for any
indelible ink stain. If stained, it shall be a conclusive presumption that the voter has
already cast his/her vote. As such, the voter shall be directed to leave the polling place
after informing him/her the reason thereof. This fact, including the name and the
precinct of the voter, shall be recorded by the Poll Clerk in the Minutes;
c. If the fingernail is not stained, establish the identity of the voter through the following:
i. Voter's photograph or specimen signature in the EDCVL. In case the
identity of the voter cannot be determined with certainty in the EDCVL,
the EB may require the voter to present any valid identification document,
except barangay certificate or community tax certificate; or
ii. In the absence of any of the above-mentioned proof of identity, any
member of the EB or any registered voter of the precinct/ clustered
precinct may identify under oath the voter, and such fact shall be
reflected in the Minutes.
d. If satisfied with the voter's identity, the name of the voter shall be distinctly announced
in a tone loud enough to be heard throughout the polling place. If not satisfied with
his/her identity, the voter shall be directed to leave the polling place after informing
him/ her of the reason therefor.
e. If the voter is not challenged or having been challenged, the question has been decided
in his/her favor, require the voter to sign in the EDCVL. In case of illiterate voters or
PWDs who cannot sign, require said voters to affix their thumbmarks in the EDCVL.
f. Thereafter, the voter shall be directed to the Chairperson who shall:
i. Authenticate the ballot by affixing his/her signature at the designated
space of the front of the ballot; Failure to authenticate the ballot shall not
invalidate the ballot but shall constitute an election offense.
ii. Show to the voter that the ballot being given is not torn or smudged, and
has not yet been filled-out;
iii. Place such ballot inside the ballot secrecy folder;
iv. Give the ballot secrecy folder containing the ballot and the marking pen to
the voter with the instruction that the ballot shall be kept clean and free
from unnecessary markings (i.e., smudge/ stain from thumbprint-taker,
food stains, and the like);
v. Instruct the voter how to fill-out the ballot properly; and
vi. Direct the voter to fill-out the ballot in the designated voting area.
Only the Chairperson shall issue the official ballots, and not more than one ballot
shall be issued at one time.
22
Resolution No. 10727, Section 74.
MANNER OF VOTING23

1. The voter shall:

a. Using a ballot secrecy folder and the marking pen provided by the Commission,
accomplish the ballot by fully shading the oval appearing before the names of the
candidates and the organizations participating in the party-list system of representation;
and
b. After accomplishing the ballot, feed the ballot in the VCM's ballot entry slot without
touching the VCM, and thereafter the voter is required to distance himself/herself from
the VCM to give way for the EB third member to perform the steps in the succeeding
sub-sections. Return the ballot secrecy folder and the marking pen to the third member
after verification of the VVPAT shown to him / her by the EB member.
c. After the voter inserted the filled ballot in the ballot entry slot, the VCM shall interpret
the ballot.
 The message ‘YOUR BALLOT IS BEING PROCESSED’ will be displayed on the screen.
 After processing, the VCM will display the following messages: ‘YOUR VOTE IS BEING
CAST. PLEASE WAIT.’ Another message will be displayed ‘YOUR VOTE IS BEING
PRINTED’ while simultaneously printing the voter’s receipt.
 The messages, ‘DEPOSITING THE BALLOT IN THE BOX’ and ‘YOUR VOTE HAS BEEN
CAST. THANK YOU FOR VOTING’ will be displayed in the screen, respectively.

2. The EB third member shall, position/ stand beside the VCM without being able to view the
screen, but near enough to be able to perform the following:
a. Monitor the VCM screen to ensure that the ballot is successfully accepted and the Voter
Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is printed;
b. Cut the end of the VVPAT using non-pointed scissors without looking at the contents
thereof, fold the VVPAT in such a way that its contents cannot be seen, then give to the
voter the VVPAT for verification;
c. Instruct the voter to fold the VVPAT and deposit the same in the VVPAT receptacle. For
this purpose, the box containing the Official Ballots shall serve as the VVPAT receptacle
which shall be placed in an area visible to the EB members/ support staff/ citizens' arm,
watchers and other persons allowed inside the polling place;
The EB shall ensure that all Official Ballots are removed from the box before the same is
used as a VVPAT receptacle. The VVPAT receptacle shall be properly sealed using the
packaging tape, on which the EB and watchers, if any, shall affix their names and
signatures;
d. Direct the voter to return the ballot secrecy folder and marking pen;
e. Apply indelible ink to the voter's right forefinger nail or any other nail if there be no
forefinger nail; and
f. Advise the voter to leave the polling place.

3. In case an objection is raised by the voter in the VVPAT, the Chairperson shall:
a. Direct the voter to affix his/ her signature at the back of the VVPAT;
b. Note the specific objection in the Minutes; and
c. Attach the contested WPAT to the Minutes (copy for the Ballot Box)

23
Resolution No. 10727, Section 74.
 The objection shall be raised before the VVPAT is dropped by the EB third member in
the VVPAT receptacle
Filing of frivolous objections shall constitute an election offense punishable under the
Omnibus Election Code. For this purpose, the EB is allowed to administer oaths so that if
the protest is frivolous, falsification or perjury charges may be filed.
d. At the close of polls, the EB shall then place the VVPAT receptacle inside the ballot box.

REJECTED BALLOTS24

Ballots may be rejected by the VCM during the scanning. There will be three (3) different types of
messages when the VCM rejects a ballot:

1. Misread Ballot - When a ballot has not been scanned properly. For this purpose, the EB shall
allow the voter to re-feed the ballot four (4) times in four (4) different orientations;
2. Previously Read Ballot - When a ballot with the same ballot ID number was already scanned; and
3. Invalid Ballot - When the Ballot is not configured to the VCM. The voter shall return the ballot to
the chairperson who shall in turn, check if the ballot ID of the rejected ballot corresponds to the
clustered precinct number. If it does not match, the chairman shall mark the ballot with the
word ‘REJECTED’ and place the same inside the envelope for rejected ballots. The chairperson
shall then issue the correct ballot to the voter.

If the ballot is still rejected, the voter shall return the ballot to the Chairperson, who shall:

1. Distinctly mark the back thereof as REJECTED;

2. Require all members of the EB to sign at the back thereof; and
3. Place the rejected ballot inside the Envelope for Rejected Ballots

No replacement ballot shall be issued to a voter whose ballot is rejected by the VCM except if the
rejection of the ballot is not due to the fault of the voter.

Any party objecting to the rejection of the ballot shall reduce his objection in writing, which the EB shall
attach to and note in the Minutes.

VOTING BY ILLITERATE PERSONS/SENIOR CITIZENS/PERSONS WITH PWD25

No voter shall be allowed to vote as an illiterate, PWD or SC unless such fact is indicated in the EDCVL, or
although not indicated as PWD in the EDCVL, when the disability is readily apparent. If so, such voter
may be assisted in the preparation of the ballot, in the following order:

1. Relative within the 4thcivil degree of consanguinity or affinity;

2. Person of his confidence who belongs to the same household as that of the voter. For this
purpose, the person who usually assists the PWD or SC, such as personal assistant, caregiver, or
a nurse shall be considered as a member of the voter's household; or
3. Any member of the EB.

24
Resolution No. 10727, Section 76.
25
Resolution No. 10727, Section 76.
A voter with physical impairment maybe assisted in feeding the ballot into the VCM by the EB member.
The EB member shall ensure that the contents of the ballot are not displayed during its feeding into the
VCM. In which case, this fact must be recorded in the Minutes.

All persons assisting must be of voting age.

No person, except the members of the EB, may assist an illiterate, PWD or SC more than three (3) times.

In all cases, the poll clerk shall first verify from the illiterates, PWDs or SCs whether said voters have
authorized a person to help them cast their vote. If the voter denies the authority of the assistor, any
member of the EB may assist such illiterates, PWDs or SCs. The same shall be recorded in the Minutes.

The person assisting the illiterates, PWDs or SCs shall:

1. Prepare in their presence, the ballot using a ballot secrecy folder; and
2. Bind themselves in writing and under oath to fill out the ballot strictly in accordance with the
instructions of the voter and not to reveal its contents, by indicating the appropriate data and
affixing their signatures, thumbmark, or any available fingerprint if without a thumb, in the
corresponding space in the Minutes.

VOTING AFTER 7PM26

1. Voters who have not yet cast their votes but are within thirty (30) meters in front of the polling
place by seven (7) o'clock in the evening of the Election Day shall still be allowed to cast their
votes.
2. The poll clerk shall promptly prepare a complete list in duplicate containing the names of said
voters numbered consecutively.
3. The voters so listed shall be called to vote by the poll clerk by announcing near the door of the
polling place, in a tone loud enough to be heard throughout the polling place, each name three
(3) times in the order in which they are listed.
4. Any voter in the list who is not present or does not respond when called shall no longer be
allowed to vote.
5. The said list shall be attached to the Minutes.

CLOSING OF BALLOTS AND TRANSMISSION OF RESULTS27

1. After the end of the Election, the VCM is now ready to CLOSE the voting by performing the
following procedures:
a. The Chairperson shall place his/her iButton security key on top of the iButton security key
receptacle, apply slight pressure thereon, after which the VCM will display message ‘SELECT
THE PROFILE TO AUTHENTICATE.’
b. Select ‘EB MEMBERS’ the VCM will then display the message ‘SELECT THE USER TO
AUTHENTICATE’ with ‘EB POLL CLERK’ and ‘EB THIRD MEMBER’ options.
 Select ‘EB POLL CLERK.’
 The VCM will display the message ‘INPUT YOUR PIN.’

26
Resolution No. 10727, Section 49.
27
Resolution No. 10754, Section 3; Resolution No. 10727, Section 77
  Enter the role PIN of EB Poll Clerk. A message ‘THE USER EB POLL CLERK WAS
AUTHENTICATED SUCCESSFULLY’ appears on the screen and the VCM will return to the
previous display - ‘SELECT THE USER TO AUTHENTICATE.’
 Select ‘EB THIRD MEMBER.’
 The VCM displays ‘INPUT YOUR PIN.’ Enter the role PIN of the EB Third Member.
c. The VCM shall then display the Election Menu. From the Election Menu, choose the option
‘CLOSE VOTING.’
d. After choosing Close Voting, the VCM shall display the message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB POLL
CLERK TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING.’ After the successful input of the
PIN for EB Poll Clerk, the VCM will display the message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB THIRD MEMBER
TO CONFIRM EXECUTION OF CLOSE VOTING.’
e. Input PIN for the EB Third member.
f. The VCM prompts to add signatures to the election results. The screen will display ‘Press
NEXT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS. (REQUIRED SIGNATURES: [NO. OF
SIGNATURES]’ along with SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 0 and the NEXT button. The
Chairperson shall press ‘NEXT.’
 The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE MEMORY TOKEN TO BE
REGISTERED’ with CANCEL button.
 The Chairperson will place his/her iButton with external certificate on top of the iButton
security key receptacle and apply pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message
‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
 Wait until the VCM displays the message ‘PLEASE INPUT THE IBUTTON PIN.’ The
Chairperson shall now enter his/her external digital signature password.
 The VCM shall thereafter display the message ‘DIGITAL SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY
ADDED’.
 The VCM shall again display the screen for adding digital signature with message, ‘DO
YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE T0 THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES:
[NO. OF SIGNATURES!’ along with the DIGITAL SIGNATURES ALREADY ADDED: 1 and the
‘YES’ and ‘NO’ options. The EB Poll Clerk shall press ‘YES.’
 The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE MEMORY TOKEN TO BE
REGISTERED’ with CANCEL button.
 The EB Poll Clerk will place his/her iButton with external certificate on top of the iButton
security key receptacle and apply a slight pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the
message ‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
 The EB Poll Clerk will place his/her iButton external certificate on top of the iButton
security key receptacle and apply pressure thereon. The VCM shall display the message
‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
 Wait until the VCM displays ‘PLEASE INPUT THE IBUTTON P.IN.’ The EB Poll Clerk shall
now enter his/her external digital signature password. The VCM shall thereafter display
the message ‘DIGITAL SIGNATURE SUCCESSFULLY ADDED.’
 The VCM shall again display the screen for adding digital signature with message, ‘DO
YOU WANT TO ADD A SIGNATURE TO THE ELECTION RESULTS? (REQUIRED SIGNATURES:
[NO. OF SIGNATURES]’ along with the DIGITAL SIGNATURE ALREADY ADDED: 2 and the
‘YES’ and ‘NO’ options. The EB Third Member shall press ‘YES.’
 The VCM will display the message ‘PLEASE INSERT THE MEMORY TOKEN TO BE
REGISTERED’ with CANCEL button.
 The EB Third Member will place the iButton with external certificate on top of the
iButton security key receptacle and apply pressure thereon. The VCM will display
 ‘READING IBUTTON... DON’T REMOVE THE IBUTTON AND PLEASE WAIT.’
 Wait until the VCM displays the message ‘PLEASE INPUT THE IBUTTON PIN.’ The EB Third
Member shall now enter his/her external digital signature password.
g. The VCM displays the message, ‘CHANGING THE VOTING MACHINE STATE TO CLOSED.’ The
VCM shall automatically print the eight (8) copies of the NATIONAL returns and eight (8)
copies of the LOCAL returns. Detach the election returns and place them in the envelope
provided for the purpose.
h. After printing the eight (8) copies of National returns and eight (8) copies of Local returns,
the system will display message ‘DO YOU WANT TO TRANSMIT THE ELECTION RESULTS?’
with ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ options. Choose ‘YES.’
 The VCM will display ‘PLEASE INSERT THE GSM TRANSMISSION DEVICE.’
 If the transmission device allocated is BGAN, press the ‘> ‘mark at the bottom right of
the screen. The message ‘PLEASE MAKE SURE THE NETWORKING CABLE OR MODEM
DEVICE IS CONNECTED’ will be displayed.
 The following message will be displayed accordingly, ‘Transmitting the results to the
<CBOC: PROVINCE NAME-CITY NAME> server (Attempt 1 of 2)’. ‘Transmitting the results
to the CENTRAL: CENTRAL server (Attempt 1 of 2) ‘. ‘Transmitting the results to the KBP:
TRANSPARENCY SERVER - RESULTS server (Attempt 1 of 2).’ ‘Transmitting the results to
the KBP: TRANSPARENCY SERVER -WPAT’s server (Attempt 1 of 2).’
 Once the VCM successfully transmitted the results, it will display the message ‘THE
RESULTS WERE SUCCESSFULLY TRANSMITTED TO MBOC/CENTRAL/KBP SERVER’ and will
automatically generate, save, and print the TRANSMISSION REPORT.
i. After which the VCM will print the additional twenty-two (22) copies of National and Local
Returns.
j. After printing the Election Returns, the VCM will automatically print the Statistical Report.
k. Once printing is completed, the VCM will display the message ‘CLOSE POLLS COMPLETED
SUCCESSFULLY.’ ‘VOTING PROCESS HAS BEEN COMPLETED,’ with DONE button. Press ‘DONE’
button.
l. The VCM will return to the Election Menu and is now in CLOSED STATE. If transmission is not
successful, perform the following procedures:
 Check transmission device if properly connected then re-transmit the results.
 From the Election Menu screen, press ‘RETRANSMIT RESULTS,’ a message will appear
‘DO YOU WANT T0 TRANSMIT THE ELECTION RESULTS?’ with ‘YES’ and ‘NO’ options.
Press ‘YES.’
 The VCM will display ‘PLEASE INSERT THE GSM TRANSMISSION DEVICE.’ If the
transmission device allocated is BGAN, press the ‘>‘ mark at the bottom right of the
screen.
 The message ‘PLEASE MAKE SURE THE NETWORKING CABLE OR MODEM DEVICE IS
CONNECTED’ will be displayed.
 Then the screen will display the selection of the servers to transmit, select ‘ALL
SERVERS’ button to re-transmit the results to C/MBOC, Central and Transparency
(Results and VVPAT) Servers.
 The VCM will print Transmission Report and verify the results if all servers have the
status ‘THE RESULTS WERE SUCESSFULLY TRANSMITTED.’
m. To print the Audit Log Report, perform the following procedures:
 From the Election Menu footer, press ‘REPORTS.’ Reports screen will be displayed.
 Click the down arrow on the right side to reveal ‘PRINT AUDIT LOG’ button. Press the
‘PRINT AUDIT LOG’ button.
  The Date and Time range will be displayed. Check the date and time on the screen.
 To change the date and time, press on the Check Box beside the Start/End, input the
correct date, and time and then press the check ‘1’ button on the lower right of the
screen to start printing.
 After printing, a message will appear ‘AUDIT LOG REPORT COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY’
with DONE button. Press DONE. The VCM will return to the REPORTS sub-menu.
 Press the ‘X’ mark to return to the Election Menu.
 Press the ‘X’ mark to go to the Home screen.
n. To perform the Write-Protect Data, perform the following:
 From the Home screen, tap the iButton in the slot and select Chairperson to
authenticate.
 Input the Role PIN of the Chairperson.
 From the Election Menu, select ‘WRITE-PROTECT DATA’ option.
 A message ‘INPUT PIN FOR EB CHAIRPERSON TO CONFIRM THE EXECUTION OF WRITE-
PROTECT DATA.’
 The VCM prompts the user to confirm the lockup of the external SD memory with
message ‘THE WRITE-PROTECTING PROCESS CANNOT BE REVERSED. DO YOU WANT TO
CONTINUE?’ with ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ options. Press ‘YES’ to confirm the lock-up of the SD
memory.
 The machine identifies that the SD card is a WORM. The VCM locks the backup memory,
displays a message informing about the result of the operation. Press ‘OK’ button to
Shut Down the VCM.
2. After the VCM is shut down, the EB shall:
a. Remove the main SD card from slot ‘A’ (colored black) of the VCM, place the main SD card
inside the envelope (A18-B). The EB shall also indicate on the envelope the clustered
precinct number, barangay, and city / municipality / province. The Backup SD card shall not
be removed from the VCM, and the cover of slot ‘B’ shall remain locked;
b. Place the initialization report, precinct statistical report and audit logs in the corresponding
envelope (A18-C to A18-E);
c. Disconnect the battery from the VCM machine;
d. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery;
e. Disconnect the power cable of the VCM machine from the electrical outlet;
f. Disconnect the power cable from the VCM machine;
g. Return the iButtons, and PINs to the ziplock;
h. Place the battery inside the battery box;
i. Place inside the VCM box the power cord and the battery cables; and
j. Close the VCM box with the sealing sticker provided for the purpose.

DISPOSITION OF UNUSED BALLOTS28

After the voting, the Chairperson, in the presence of the other members of the EB, shall:
1. Record in the Minutes the quantity of unused ballots;
2. Tear the unused ballots in half lengthwise;
3. Place one half of the torn ballots in the Envelope for Rejected Ballots, Half of Torn Unused
Official Ballots, and Other Half of Torn Unused Official Ballots (CEF No. A15), and submit said
envelope to the EO for safekeeping; and

28
Resolution No. 10727, Section 83.
 4. Place the other half in another Envelope for Rejected Ballots, Half of Torn Unused Official
Ballots, and Other Half of Torn Unused Official Ballots (CEF No. A15), and then deposit the same
inside the ballot box. Such fact shall be entered in the Minutes.

DISPOSITION OF ELECTION RETURNS29

1. After printing the election returns (ERs), the EB shall sign and affix their thumbmarks in the
certification portion of all copies of the ERs
2. The EB shall post one (1) copy of the ERs in a conspicuous place inside the polling place
3. The EB shall individually fold the ERs. The first eight (8) copies of the ERs shall be sealed with
serially numbered paper seals and placed in their respective envelopes (CEF No. A17). All
envelopes containing the ERs shall be sealed with serially numbered paper seals
4. EB shall also affix their signatures on the paper seals and envelopes on the space provided. The
watchers present shall likewise affix their signatures, giving preference to the dominant majority
and minority parties and Accredited Citizens' arm.
5. In the election of president, vice-president, senators and for the party-list system of
representation, ERs shall be distributed as follows:
a. City or Municipal Board of Canvassers;
b. The Congress, directed to the President of the Senate;
c. The Commission;
d. Accredited Citizens' arm;
e. Dominant majority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law;
f. Dominant minority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law;
g. Ballot box;
h. Provincial Board of Canvassers;
i. One (1) to be posted conspicuously on a wall within the premises of the polling place or
counting center, as the case may be;
j. Ten (10) accredited major national parties, excluding the dominant majority and minority
parties, in accordance with a voluntary agreement among them. If no such agreement is
reached, the Commission shall decide which parties shall receive the copies on the basis of
the criteria provided in Section 26 of Republic Act No. 7166 and COMELEC Resolution No.
9984;
k. Two (2) accredited major local parties in accordance with a voluntary agreement among
them. If no such agreement is reached, the Commission shall decide which parties shall
receive the copies on the basis of the criteria analogous to that provided in Section 26 of
Republic Act No. 7166;
l. Four (4) national broadcast or print media entities as may be equitably determined by the
Commission in view of propagating the copies to the widest extent possible;
m. Two (2) local broadcast or print media entities as may be equitably determined by the
Commission in view of propagating the copies to the widest extent possible; and
n. Four (4) major citizens' arms, including the accredited citizens' arm, and other non-partisan
groups or organization enlisted by the Commission pursuant to Section 52(k) of Batas
Pambansa Blg. 881. Such citizens' arm, groups and organization may use the four certified
copies of election returns for the conduct of citizens' quick counts at the local or national
levels
6. In the election of local officials and members of the House of Representatives:

29
Resolution No. 10727, Section 84.
 a. City or Municipal Board of Canvassers;
b. The Commission;
c. Provincial Board of Canvassers
d. Accredited Citizens' arm;
e. Dominant majority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law;
f. Dominant minority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law;
g. One (1) to be posted conspicuously on a wall within the premises of the polling place or
counting center, as the case may be;
h. Ballot box;
i. Ten (10) accredited major national parties, excluding the dominant majority and minority
parties, in accordance with a voluntary agreement among them. If no such agreement is
reached, the Commission shall decide which parties shall receive the copies on the basis of
the criteria provided in Section 26 of Republic Act No. 7166 and COMELEC Resolution No.
9984;
j. Two (2) accredited major local parties in accordance with a voluntary agreement among
them. If no such agreement is reached, the Commission shall decide which parties shall
receive the copies on the basis of the criteria analogous to that provided in Section 26 of
Republic Act No. 7166;
k. Four (4) national broadcast or print media entities as may be equitably determined by the
Commission in view of propagating the copies to the widest extent possible;
l. Two (2) local broadcast or print media entities as may be equitably determined by the
Commission in view of propagating the copies to the widest extent possible; and
m. Three (3) major citizens' arms, including the accredited citizens' arm, and other non-partisan
groups or organization enlisted by the Commission pursuant to Section 52(k) of Batas
Pambansa Blg. 881. Such citizens' arm, groups and organization may use the four certified
copies of election returns for the conduct of citizens' quick counts at the local or national
levels

DISPOSITION OF VCM, BALLOTS BOXES, ELECTION RETURNS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS 30

When the counting of votes has ended and the results of the election in the polling place have already
been announced, the EB shall:

1. Place inside the ballot box the following:

a. Sealed Envelopes containing copy of printed ERs intended for the ballot box;
b. Sealed Envelopes containing copy of Minutes intended for the ballot box;
c. Sealed Envelopes containing half of torn unused ballots; and Rejected ballots if any
d. VVPAT Receptacle
2. Close the flap of the ballot box with security seal. To protect the ballots and other election
documents therein from elements such as water and dust, cover the ballot box with packaging
tape by wrapping the tape around the cover and extending it to the upper part of the ballot box.
The EB shall affix their signatures on the tape, and require the watchers present to also affix
their signatures;
3. Turn-over the box containing the VCM and its peripherals to the logistics provider. In the
absence of the logistics provider, the EB shall turn-over the VCM box to the EO or the authorized

30
Resolution No. 10727, Section 85.
 representative, who shall in turn, coordinate with the logistics provider for the schedule of the
retrieval thereof;
4. Deliver the ballot box, accompanied by watchers, to the city/municipal treasurer. For this
purpose, the city/municipal treasurer shall, at its own expense, provide at the voting center the
necessary personnel and transportation facilities for the retrieval. In case the ballot box
delivered by the EB is not sealed, the treasurer shall seal the ballot box, and include such fact,
together with the serial number of the plastic seal used, in his/ her report to the Commission
5. Deliver to the EO the following:
a. EDCVL;
b. PCVL;
c. Sealed Envelope containing copy of the Minutes intended for the Commission (CEF No.
A11);
d. Sealed Envelope containing Other Half of Torn Unused Official Ballots;
e. Sealed Envelope containing Initialization Report;
f. Sealed Envelope containing Precinct Audit Log Report;
g. Sealed Envelope containing Precinct Statistical Report;
h. Sealed Envelope containing Copies of the ERs intended for the Provincial Board of
Canvassers (CEF No. A9);
i. Sealed Envelope containing Copies of the ERs intended for Commission (CEF No. A9).
j. The envelope containing the main SD card for use by the city /municipal board of canvassers
thru the Reception and Custody Group (RCG);
k. Other pertinent papers and documents.
6. The EO or the city / municipal treasurer, shall require the EB which failed to turn-over the
election documents or paraphernalia to deliver them immediately.