Comelec exploring possibility of holding 2022 elections for 2-3 days

This file photo shows a Commission on Elections staff member during the May 13, 2019, midterm elections. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking into the possibility of conducting the 2022 national elections for two to three days to regulate the number of voters going to polling precincts in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic still remains by then.

During the House deliberations on the agency’s proposed 2021 budget, Comelec Executive Director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said they are considering holding a two-day voting schedule just like what it planned to do for the Palawan plebiscite that was originally scheduled last May.

“We’re looking at that to implement that sa 2022 elections. ‘Yung date ng election is scheduled by the Constitution. So the plan is to hold elections sa May, and then perhaps another two days kung kailangan to continue the elections,” he said.

“Parang in-extend lang natin ‘yung voting hours. But that’s still being studied by our law department,” he added.

Comelec is also considering allowing the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) online and by schedule per position, as well as limiting voters to up to five persons per polling precinct and setting up a voter’s assistance desk in every voting center to facilitate the people entering the polling areas.

The filing of COCs is scheduled around the last quarter of 2021.

“A certain number of days will be allotted for municipal or city councilors. A certain number of days will be allotted for mayor and vice mayors. Same thing will happen in the provincial election supervisor level. Per type of candidate, there will be allotted days,” Sinocruz explained.

“We will do away in part the personal filing of certificates of candidacy. There is no prohibition in the law for online filing,” he added.

KGA