EXCEPT only to vote, vloggers will not be allowed within the perimeter of a polling center, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec 7 Regional Director Francisco Pobe said in a media news forum on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, only accredited media members with Comelec passes, electoral board members and watchers will be allowed to take photos and videos at polling centers.
“Vloggers are supposed to be not-allowed personnel to cover activities. If you are a vlogger, you are considered as an ordinary voter. So, therefore you are not allowed there,” said Pobe in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Pobe said the Comelec will be coordinating with peacekeeping forces and authorities from the Department of Education.
“If you insist on vlogging, you should only stay outside of the perimeter,” he said.
Pobe added that the use of phones during voting is not allowed inside the precinct.
He said this would be considered as an election offense.
“That is a ground for election offense especially if you take a photo of the ballot,” he said.
However, Pobe encouraged voters and vloggers to take videos if they happen to witness election anomalies at their polling center such as people campaigning.
Pobe said videos taken can help the Comelec in any case build-up.
Pobe also reminded voters that the ballot should not be folded or damaged in any way. Once damaged, it will be invalidated by the automated counting machine.
No extra ballot will be provided to those who damaged their ballot, said Pobe.
Moreover, Pobe said it is better for the voter to undervote than to overvote because once the voter overvotes, the whole ballot will be invalidated.
The elections will be held on May 12, 2025. (JPS)
