By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday directed all election officers (EOs) nationwide to conduct at least one satellite registration of voters in their locality during the two-month registration period set to start next month.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the holding of satellite registration aims to maximize registration turnout in connection with the May 11, 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections.
“The Comelec has been conducting mandatory satellite registration activities to bring the registration process closer to the people. It is our way of reaching out to every single Filipino citizen eligible to register but cannot go to their local Comelec offices due to schedule or travel constraints,” he said in a statement.
The poll body official noted that satellite registration offices may be established in barangay halls/centers, public and private schools and universities, malls and commercial establishments and other public and convenient places.
Jimenez said they are ready to accept request from any interested party for the conduct of satellite registration in their area.
“Requests shall be coordinated with and approved by the election officer who have jurisdiction over their district, city or municipality,” he added.
However, satellite registration shall not be conducted in public or private buildings owned, leased or occupied as residence by any incumbent city/municipal/barangay officials or of any person who is related to them within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
Jimenez noted that those who are eligible to apply for registration will have two months to do so, from August 1, 2019 to September 30, 2019.
Applications may be filed from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of the Election Officer or any satellite registration site in the locality where the registrant resides.
“The Commission will open the registration process on Saturdays and even holidays to allow more applicants to be accommodated, especially students and working people who may not have time during weekdays,” he added.
Pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10549, any Filipino citizen who is not yet a registered voter, who will be at least 15 years of age on May 11, 2020, and residing in the barangay for at least six months on or before Election Day is eligible to register.
Registered voters as of the May 13, 2019 mid-term elections need not apply.
For purposes of the SK elections, those who will be at least 15 but not more than 30 years of age on Election Day shall be included in the list of those who may vote for SK candidates.
All types of applications will be accepted, including applications for registration, transfer of registration record, change/correction of entries, reactivation of registration record, inclusion of registration record and reinstatement of name in the list of voters.
The Comelec will provide an express lane for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant applicants.
Application forms may be downloaded at comelec.gov.ph.
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