No extension in voter’s registration even in ECQ areas dismays Hontiveros

FILE PHOTO: Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family and Gender Equality, during one of the Senate investigations. Senate PRIB file photo / Joseph Vidal

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed dismay on the non-extension of voter’s registration, especially in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

“Nakakalungkot na hindi napagbigyan ang pagpapalawig ng voter’s registration, kahit man lang sa mga lugar na nasa ilalim ng ECQ. Ang haba ng panahon ang mawawala para sa mga potential first-time voters,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Tuesday.

(It is saddening that the extension of voter’s registration was not granted, even in ECQ areas only. A long time would be lost for potential first-time voters.)

After calls to stretch the voter registration period amid the ECQ, Comelec finalized that there will be no extension of the September 30 deadline.

Despite this, the legislator welcomed the proposal of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend registration hours, which may include Sundays, to compensate for the lost time.

Hontiveros likewise appealed to first-time voters in areas placed under ECQ to pre-register online to hasten the process once queueing in Comelec offices would be allowed.

Meanwhile, the senator called on first-time voters in areas with more lenient quarantine classifications to line up and register.

The voter registration was suspended in Metro Manila due to the ECQ imposed from August 6 to 20.

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JPV