DAVAO CITY (May 11) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region XI has reminded voters that taking videos or photos inside polling precincts during the May 12, 2025 elections is strictly prohibited. Violators may face imprisonment of up to six years, as this is considered an election offense.
COMELEC emphasized that live streaming or capturing images within voting centers on election day is not allowed under any circumstance.
According to Atty. Gay Enumerables, Assistant Regional Director of COMELEC Region XI, photographing or recording videos, especially of the ballot while voting, constitutes a serious violation.
“Going live inside the polling precinct is an election offense, especially if done by a voter. It disrupts the electoral process. We’ve also received reports that some plan to secretly photograph their ballots—please, don’t do this. It is an election offense to take pictures of your ballot or the receipt. This is strictly prohibited,” said Atty. Enumerables.
She further clarified that such actions are considered criminal offenses. The penalty ranges from one to six years of imprisonment without probation and includes perpetual disqualification from holding any public office, particularly for government employees.
If a voter is caught recording or taking pictures inside a precinct, their vote will still be counted, but legal charges will be filed against them.
COMELEC assured the public that members of the Electoral Board will be monitoring polling precincts to ensure that all voters comply with the rules.
