Sen. Risa Hontiveros. Screen grab / Senate PRIB file photo
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the period of voter registration, at least in areas to be placed under a two-week enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“Sayang ‘yung period from August 6 to 20. Especially for some of our first time voters, yung iba sa kanila are not even eligible for vaccination,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
(The period of August 6 to 20 will just go to waste. Especially for some of the first time voters, most of them are not even eligible for vaccination.)
“It is only logical to extend the voter registration period by at least two more weeks. It’s two more weeks that may prove critical for our country’s future,” she added.
Last week, Malcañang announced that Metro Manila will be placed under ECQ, the government’s strictest quarantine classification, from August 6 to 20.
In the meantime, Metro Manila will stay under the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions this Friday until August 5.
The voter registration ends on September 30 this year.
While there is no word yet whether or not Comelec will consider extending the voter registration period, Hontiveros stressed that the challenges brought on by the pandemic must be considered as “extraordinary circumstances.”
Hontiversos also pointed out that the voter registration process was already stalled several times due to fears over the pandemic.
“I agree that deadlines should be observed. But, hopefully, in this case, Comelec can make one last necessary extension. Huwag naman sanang i-quarantine pati ang karapatan ng mga tao na bumoto [I hope they would not quarantine also the rights of the people to vote,” she said.
Earlier, Hontiveros called for an increase in the Comelec’s budget to prepare for the 2022 elections in light of health-related adjustments due to COVID-19.
“COVID-19’s Delta variant has already disrupted our communities. Let it not get in the way of our citizens’ desire to participate in the May 2022 elections,” the senator said.