Last day of SK registration today

CEBU, Philippines - The number of registrants in Cebu for the Sangguniang Kabataan  elections on February 2015 almost doubled overnight, two days before the end of registration today, September 29.

Provincial election assistant Arthur Patiga said a total of 21,856 registered as of Saturday, a dramatic increase from the 12,809 that registered from September 20 to 26. The following day, last Saturday, the number rose to 21,895.

This means 9,086 registered on Saturday alone. This number includes registrants from Cebu City and component cities Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

The Commission on Elections said earlier it expected registrants to flock over the weekend since many did not have classes.The Comelec has set only 10 days for the filing of applications for registration, which started on September 20. To accommodate students, it opened even on weekends.

Provincial Election Officer Ferdinand Gujilde said earlier the registration may no longer be extended since there are deadlines that the Comelec has to comply with especially on the hearing for the approval and disapproval of applications for registrations.

“Para nako, ang extension accommodates those who do not want to register, or those who procrastinate. No matter how many times we extend if the voters or the youth are not interested, wa gihapon,” Gujilde said.

The last day to post a notice of hearing of applications will be on October 6, 2014 while the last day to file opposition to applications for registration is on October 13, 2014.

This will be followed by the hearing of the Election Registration Board for approval or disapproval of applications on October 20, 2014.

Meanwhile, the deadline of posting of the computerized voters’ list for SK is on November 5, 2014. The last day to file petitions for inclusion of voters will be on November 7, 2014 while the last day of filing of petitions for exclusion is on November 12, 2014.

The System of Continuing Registration of Voters of Republic Act 8189 (The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996) provides that no registration shall be conducted 120 days prior to the election.

The SK election was supposedly conducted in October last year but was postponed to pave way for reforms of the current system.  (FREEMAN)