PCGNY.net | News Release

Counting of votes on May 14 open to public, election watchers and media

PHILIPPINE CONSULATE - NEWS RELEASE
09 May 2007

NEW YORK --- Philippine Consul General to New York Cecilia Rebong said that counting of ballots on May 14, the end of the voting period for senators and party-list representatives, will be open to the public, election watchers, and members of the media.

Rebong said that counting of votes will commence right after the close of the voting period on May 14, 3:00 a.m., New York Time, or May 14, 3:00 p.m., Manila time. “We will hold the counting of votes at the Philippine Center Kalayaan Hall, and Kalayaan Hall Annex if the total number of ballots received by the Consulate General exceeds five-hundred (500),” she added.

“There is no limit as to how many from the public can watch the counting. However, due to the limited space at the Philippine Center (Kalayaan Hall can only accommodate up to 150 seated, and 190 standing, persons at a time), we may have to regulate the number of spectators at a certain point,” Rebong clarified.

“Election watchers are also expected at the Consulate on May 14 as each candidate, political party, and parties, associations or organizations participating in the party-list system of elections, accredited citizens' arms and accredited OFW organizations is entitled to one (1) watcher during the voting and counting of votes,” Rebong also said.

A Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI), composed of the Consul General, as Chairman, and two consuls as Poll Clerk and Member-Secretary, respectively, will count the ballots publicly and without interruption. The Philippine Consulate General is located at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036, between 45th and 46th Streets. Subway stations that are closest to it are the 7 and F trains.

Immediately upon completion of the counting and announcement of election results by the Chairman, the SBEI shall transmit via facsimile and/or electronic mail the results of the election to the COMELEC in Manila, and the accredited major political parties at their respective addresses as supplied by the Commission.

After the announcement of results, the Consul General, in her capacity as Chairman of the SBEI, shall deliver official copies of the results to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., which acts as the Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC). SBOC will, in turn, submit the final tally of votes from all the Posts in the United States to the Congress of the Philippines and the Commission on Elections.

Rebong advised local, Philippine-based media, and foreign media intending to cover the counting of ballots to apply for accreditation at the Philippine Consulate General in New York (Attention: OAV Secretariat, look for Mr. Jose Morales, or call the Consulate General at (212) 764-1330, ext. 602). The requirements for media accreditation are as follows:

Local Media and Filipino New York-Based Media:

1. Duly accomplished information sheet (available at the Consulate or the Consulate's official website);
2. Two (2) ID photos;
3. Letter of endorsement by applicant's direct employer.

Foreign Media:

1. Duly accomplished information sheet (available at the Consulate or the Consulate's official website);
2. Two (2) ID photos;
3. Photocopies of their International Press Center (IPC) Card for the year 2007 (front and back). The original of the IPC press card must, however, be presented for verification.

Manila-Based Foreign Media:

1. Accreditation from COMELEC.

Members of the media that have not yet been accredited may still submit their applications for accreditation until May 14 or on the day of the elections.

Accredited media personnel may exercise the following privileges:

Before the voting period:

1. Request concerned consular officials or personnel for interview or briefing on the electoral processes;
2. Observe preparatory activities.

During the voting period:

1. Observe the conduct of voting in any locality;
2. Interview voters, political leaders and other persons outside the polling places; and
3. Document observations and interviews.

During counting and canvassing:

1. Observe the counting of votes and transmission of results;
2. Observe all canvassing proceedings.

Media coverage shall further be subject to the following guidelines:

1. Accredited media representatives shall present their media pass/accreditation card to election personnel upon arrival at the polling/counting/canvassing place.
2. A maximum of three media representatives shall be allowed at the polling place at any given time. In case there are more than three accredited representatives, they shall be given equal time and space spread among themselves.
3. They shall stay only in the area reserved for watchers and shall not be allowed to interfere with or disrupt proceedings, violation of which shall be ground for their removal/banishment from such proceedings.
4. They shall not interview people inside the polling places, engage in any partisan political activity, induce voters to vote one way or another, or manifest a position for or against any candidate.
5. Violations of these rules shall be a ground for revocation of accreditation and considered an election offense.