Comelec likely to tackle voter registration extension — Guanzon

(INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sheriff Abas may put the voter registration period extension on agenda after the Senate adopted a resolution seeking for its adjustment, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said on Tuesday.

Currently, the voter registration is only until September 30, 2021.

Senators, through Senate Resolution No. 851, sought for the extension of the registration period until October 31.

“Pero iba naman ito ngayon, dahil sa news nakita ko, ang buong Senado ay may resolution na. So, sigurado naman si Chair Abas i-a-agenda niya ‘yan para pag-usapan,” Guanzon said over Teleradyo.

(Now, it is different. I saw in the news that the Senate adopted a resolution. For sure, Chairman Abas will put it on the agenda for discussion.)

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon (file photo)

“What really will determine kung kaya ba ‘yan ng Comelec kung i-e-extend ‘yan o hindi, ‘yung mga director ang tatanungin. Kaya pa ba nila?,” she added.

(The directors will determine if the Comelec could still extend the registration period. Can they still do it?)

Guanzon explained that the majority of the commissioners earlier voted to not extend the voter registration period due to tight schedules in their preparations.

“Last time, ako lang bumoto na mag-extend. Majority ang ayaw. Naiintindihan naman natin sila dahil nga domino effect nga ‘yan,” she noted.

(Last time, it’s just me who voted for the voter registration extension. Majority opposed. I understand them because it will have a  domino effect.)

Guanzon said that they may talk about the matter on Wednesday as their budget depends on the Senate.

RELATED STORY:

Comelec exec hopes to discuss extension of voter registration with en banc