Comelec reminds voters of registration deadline

CEBU, Philippines - With only two days remaining until the last day of voter’s registration, the Commission on Elections in Cebu has apologized to registrants who would no longer be accommodated after the October 31 deadline.

The poll body said there would be no more extension of the registration period.

Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said the Comelec should not be blamed because those wanting to participate in the next year’s elections were given ample time to register. The registration for May 2016 polls started in May2014.

“During the last two days kung modaghan kaayo ang magparehistro wa na gyud mi mahimo,” Castillano said.

The registration transactions include reactivation, updating and validation of registration records, as well as the submission of biometrics data.

As of September 30, Cebu recorded at least 2.5 million registered voters, 109, 117 of which have yet to submit their biometrics records.

Under the Republic Act 10367 or the Act Providing for Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration, voters who fail to submit the biometrics data will be deactivated from the voters’ list and will not be allowed to vote.

Castillano said they have fielded personnel to augment the offices in cities like Cebu which has a huge number of registered voters, with 267,295 in north district and 310, 388 in south. Each district in Cebu City was also provided two voter registration machines.

Castillano added that each machine can accommodate up to 250 registrants daily.

“Sa Cebu City north district, gipatabang nako ang mga computer technicians, we added additional laptops and computers,” he told reporters.

As to the biometrics data, Cebu City north district has 12,124 registered voters who have yet to submit their data while south district has 9, 036. Castillano further advised the public to come to Comelec offices early as offsite registration centers and some field offices, especially in cities, have to make registration cut off.

“Naay time nga alas 2 pa lang nag-cut off na mi, depende sa kadaghanon sa tawo. Sa malls, mag-cut off na mi kung among tan-aw di namo mahuman by the time mag-close ang mall,” he said.

“And please bring a lot of patience,” he added.

For Cebu City, offsite registrations started on October 11, 18, 25, but will have another schedule on 30 and 31 at Robinsons Cybergate, and October 29 at Ayala center Cebu. For Mandaue City, on the other hand, offsite registration will be conducted on the 31 at the Pacific Mall.

Castillano reminded registered voters that those who failed to vote in two consecutive regular elections, like national elections and barangay elections in 2013, will already be deactivated and will not be allowed to vote in 2016 elections.— (FREEMAN)