Comelec forms body to probe ballot printing after May polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has created a fact-finding committee that will look into allegations that ballots were still being printed even after the May 13 elections.

In Resolution 9760, the Comelec has appointed law department director Esmeralda Ladra as head of the committee. She will have to name the two other members.

“The Comelec resolves to create a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate the alleged unauthorized printing of election ballots by Holy Family Printing Corp. (HFPC) and to recommend the filing of appropriate charges, if warranted,” the resolution stated.

The committee was tasked to invite former Comelec employee, Melchor Magdama, who disclosed that HFPC continued printing ballots even after the elections.

HFPC was contracted by the state-run National Printing Office to print the official and sample ballots used in the May polls.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. issued a memorandum for the creation of the panel.

“In light of the seriousness of the accusations, and finding it for the best interest of Comelec to inquire into its truthfulness, the undersigned respectfully requests for the creation of a fact-finding committee for the purpose of conducting a formal investigation on the matter,” the memorandum stated.

If Magdama’s allegations are proven, those behind the printing of extra ballots face charges for election offense.

The Omnibus Election Code states that an election offense is punishable with up to six years imprisonment, removal of rights to vote and perpetual disqualification to run for public office.