Voter registration starts Monday

FILIPINOS eligible to vote may register starting Monday for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on October 28, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said first-time voters, people who failed to vote in the last two elections and want to get reactivated, and those who want to transfer from one precinct to another, can do so during the 10-day registration period from July 22 to July 31.

“As much as possible, they should register early. We only have 10 days,” Jimenez said in an interview. “They can also register during the weekend (July 27-28). So, students and those who have work need not worry because they can still register.”

Jimenez said no special registration sites will be set up, so would-be voters need to go to local Comelec offices in their respective cities or municipalities to register.

“There will be no satellite registration [sites] but they can register during the weekend. The Comelec offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” he said.

Jimenez said the voters who want to validate their registration using biometrics will have to wait after the registration period.

“Validation, which is basically enrolling biometrics would resume after this. But for now, since we only have 10 days, it would be better if we focus on the registration process,” Jimenez said.

“It would be difficult if we have people who have other purposes coming in and causing congestion. We will just have to prioritize our fellow citizens who have not registered,” he added.

Cebu Provincial Supervisor Atty. Marco Lionel Castillano said those who want to check their registration status may go online and surf the Comelec website (www.comelec.gov.ph). /Inquirer with a report from Correspondent Renan Alangilan