MANILA, Philippines — The tampered ballots from Maluso, Basilan are bound for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila, for investigation, the poll chief announced Tuesday.
In a memorandum issued by Comelec Executive Director Teopito E. Elnas Jr., lawyer Miguel Roberto T. Dela Pena was directed to secure and turn over the compromised ballots, while Director Vergil Juan S. Soriano will deliver the pre-shaded ballots to the main office before September 17, 2026.
"Sealing of the tampered [Maluso] ballots for shipment to Comelec [Manila]," Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed in a message.
Garcia described the tampering as "electoral sabotage" and reaffirmed that the commission will pursue legal action. He added that the Comelec is preserving evidence across all 36 boxes containing the affected ballots.
The poll body previously placed Maluso under Comelec control after tampered ballots were uncovered in 36 precincts, prompting officials to order the reprinting of affected ballots and extend local voting hours.
