Palace urges voters to register for 2022 polls as Comelec extends deadline

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducts voters’ registration and validation of biometrics data at Robinsons Place Manila in this file photo taken on July 11, 2015. INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday urged voters to register for the 2022 elections following the extension of the registration period by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) until October 31.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the decision of the Comelec to extend the voter registration period is a “positive development” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now that ample time is given, we call on all eligible voters, especially the youth, to register early, and not resort to last-minute registration, while adhering to minimum public health standards,” he said in a statement.

“Let us all exercise our right of suffrage,” he added.

The deadline for voter registration, which was initially set on Sept. 30, will be extended from October 9 to 31, Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas said.

There will be no voter registration during the filing of the certificates of candidacy from October 1 to 8, he added.

The decision to extend the voter registration period came after both the Senate and the House approved their respective bills seeking to extend it.

/MUF