Sec. 57. Distribution of overseas absentee voting election returns. – The copies of the election returns contained in each corresponding envelope shall be distributed as follows:

a) The first copy shall be delivered to the Special Board of Canvassers;

b) The second copy, to the Congress;

c) The third copy, to the Commission through the ERSD;

d) The fourth copy to the dominant majority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law;

e) The fifth copy to the dominant minority party as determined by the Commission in accordance with law;

f) The sixth copy, to a citizens’ arm authorized by the Commission to conduct an unofficial count;

g) The seventh copy to be posted on a wall within the premises of the polling place; and

h) The eighth copy shall be deposited inside the compartment of the ballot box for valid ballots.

The Chairman of the SBEI shall submit personally the first, second and third copies of the election returns to the Chairman of the SBOC who will in turn submit personally the second and third copies to the Congress and the Commission, respectively.

The fourth, fifth and sixth copies intended for the dominant majority, dominant minority party and the citizens’ arm authorized by the Commission to conduct unofficial quick count, shall be given to their respective representatives. In the absence of such representative, the copies shall be given to the SBRCG who shall keep the same until claimed by the parties concerned.

Sec. 58. Certificate of votes. – After the announcement of the results of the election, the SBEI shall, as a matter of policy, issue upon request to interested parties a Certificate of Votes (OAVF No. 13) duly signed by all the members of the SBEI.

Sec. 59. Disposition of ballots and other documents. – Upon the termination of the counting of votes and the accomplishment of election returns for the precinct -

1. The SBEI shall:



1) Assemble the collapsible ballot box.

2) Place the following documents inside the ballot box:

2.1) Envelope containing the election returns, (Copy for the Ballot Box);

2.2) Envelopes containing counted official ballots, excess/invalid/ spoiled/torn half of unused official ballots;

2.3) Envelope containing the Minutes of Voting (Copy for the Ballot Box);

2.4) Envelope containing the Minutes of Counting (Copy for the Ballot Box);

2.5) Tally Board; and

2.6) Envelopes used for postal voting

3) Seal the ballot box; and

4) Deposit it with the SBRCG together with the envelopes containing Minutes of Voting and Minutes of Counting (Copies for the Commission).

2. The SBRCG shall:



1) Keep in a secured place the ballot boxes together with envelopes containing Minutes of Voting and Minutes of Counting (Copies for the Commission) until further instructions from the Commission.

2) After completion of the counting of votes, keep and retain at the Posts all used and unused forms, supplies and paraphernalia as submitted by the SBEIs including unclaimed ballots and returned mails for postal voting, until further instructions from the Commission.

Article XII

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Article XIV