MANILA, Philippines ( The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – For as long as Filipinos can remember, voters have always been given the indelible ink on their forefinger as proof that they have already voted in a scheduled election. That is about to change.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia told The Adobo Chronicles that beginning with the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this October, voters will get the ink on their pinkies (little finger).

Garcia said the new rule was in response to the clamor by Pinoys to spare their forefinger on election day.

Reasons cited include the fact that most people use their forefinger for many things: to point to street directions and at turo-turo restaurants, to type on their smart phones and tablets, to warn kids about their mischiefs, and to suck in their mouth when nervous or anxious.

“We want voters to be hygienic with their forefingers on election day and the days following,” Garcia said.