The Commission on Elections (Comelec) En Banc has approved the request to extend the period for voter registration for the May 9, 2022 elections from Oct. 11 to Oct. 30.
The voter registration period was to have ended on Sept. 30. The one-week gap between this date and the resumption of registration is to give way to the filing of certificates of candidacy from Oct. 1 to 8, including weekends, by aspirants for the position of president down to municipal councilor.
Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon wrote on social media that during that extended period, voter registration will be open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no Saturday schedule except on Oct. 30, same time.
The reactivation of an old voter’s record is still through email or personal appearance.
Meanwhile, the registration of overseas voters is extended for two weeks, from Oct. 1 to 14. For overseas voting, the filing of COCs is not an issue, thus the extension starts immediately.
“Kaka-approve lang po ng Commission en Banc na palawigin ang voter’s registration hanggang Oct. 31. Mayroon na pong approval iyong extension na hinihingi ng mga tao at mambabatas,” Comelec Director Elaiza David said at the Laging Handa public briefing.
She also reported on registration figures: “As of Sept. 18, mayroon na tayong close to 62 million na registered voters. Sa mga bagong nating registrant, lumagpas na tayo doon sa target na four million. As of Sept. 18, [5.4 million] na po ang nagparehistro na bagong registrant.”
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Sec. Harry Roque said the extension is a “positive development” and encouraged the public to get registered.
“The resolution of the Commission on Election to extend voter registration for the 2022 elections is a positive development in light of the extraordinary circumstances brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Roque said in a statement.
“Having said this, and now that ample time is given, we call on all eligible voters, especially the youth, to register early, and not resort to last-minute registration, while adhering to minimum public health standards. Let us all exercise our right of suffrage,” he said. – PG- jlo
