The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the preparation for the conduct of the 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections in December is at almost 80 percent amid proposals for its postponement.
In the Sept. 1 Laging Handa briefing, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said they will release in the coming days the resolutions and guidelines for the polls.
“Magsisimula na rin kami later on sa printing ng mga balota. Sa kasalukuyan, dahil sinabi natin na all out na tayo sa preparation, as if hindi namin iniisip ang mga posibilidad na maaaring ma-postpone ang ating Barangay and SK elections,” he said.
In case of postponement, Garcia said there will be no problems on the procured paraphernalia.
“Kahit nga makapag-print tayo ng balota ay walang effect iyan sapagkat iyong balota na na-print natin ay pupuwede pa ring gamitin para sa susunod na eleksiyon kung sakali na ma-reset ang December 5, 2022 elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Comelec also welcomed a recent decision of the Supreme Court that allowed persons deprived of liberty (PDL) to vote for local candidates.
“Ang una pong rule diyan, kung iyong PDL ay botante sa lugar kung saan sila nakakulong o in custody sa kasalukuyan, doon po sila makakaboto,” Garcia said.
“Kung sakali naman po na sa ibang lugar, pwede po silang samahan ng ating mga custodian, subalit kinakailangan pong magpaalam sila sa korte,” he added.
The Comelec is also looking into setting up “early voting” for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and “internet voting” for Filipinos abroad. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG– gb
