The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday (August 2) that they have not discussed a possible extension of the voter registration period, despite lawmakers asking to extend the deadline particularly in areas that will be placed under a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
In a press statement, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said voter registration will continue until Thursday (August 5) in areas that are currently conducting voter registration operations.
The current deadline for the voter registration period is on September 30, 2021.
“The Commission en banc has not – repeat NOT – discussed the possibility of extension of the voter registration period,” Jimenez said.
In a media statement on Monday, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said it is only logical to extend the voter registration period by at least two weeks, which “may prove critical for the country’s future.”
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also said at the plenary that there may be fewer voters in the coming 2022 election due to the threat of COVID-19. – Report from Kenneth Paciente and Eunice Samonte / CF – jlo