‘KathNiel’ admonished for taking photos with ballots
kathryn and daniel and i need to talk #PiliPinas
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) May 9, 2016
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and a poll watchdog hit TV and movie stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla for having their photos taken with their ballots while inside their election precincts.
Photos of the reel couple circulated online and have drawn flak from netizens.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, in a tweet, said that he needs to “talk” with the two celebrities—both of whom support administration bets Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Ma. Leonor “Leni” Robredo for the presidency and vice presidency.
“Kathryn and daniel and i need to talk #PiliPinas” Jimenez said.
His tweet has been retweeted more than 4,800 times and was marked as favorite by more than 6,000 users as of this writing.
The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente) said that the act of the two celebrities can be deemed illegal as it violates the Omnibus Election Code.
“Sec. 195 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that it is unlawful to exhibit the contents of the ballot to any person,” Lente said.
The Comelec has banned the use of cellphones and recording devices inside polling precincts.
READ: No ‘selfie’ with ballots, please, poll body advises
SCREENGRAB FROM LENTE’S TWITTER ACCOUNT
Section 20 of Comelec Resolution No. 10088 states that the use of cellphones or any recording devices is not allowed inside the polling place.
“Use of capturing devices, including, but not limited to, digital cameras, or cellular phones for whatever purpose while inside the polling place,” the resolution read.
“Voters have the obligation to uphold the secrecy of their ballots. We remind all voters to use their secrecy folders and to refrain from exhibiting their ballots,” Lente said. CDG/rga
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