Comelec to set up express lanes for PWD, seniors

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will set up express lanes for persons with disabilities, (PWDs) senior citizens, and pregnant women in voter registration offices nationwide.

Michael Dioneda, director of the Comelec-National Capital Region, made the announcement during the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City yesterday.

Dioneda said Comelec Chairman Jose Melo had issued a directive to all election officers in the country to put express lanes for people with special problems.

“Before, we used to provide special treatment to PWDs, senior citizens and pregnant women during elections only, but now we will do it during voters’ registration,” he said.

He added that based on the new resolution, the Comelec will establish registration office in each barangay (village) to make it easy for PWDs, the elderly, and pregnant women to register for the 2010 national elections.

Meanwhile, in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year, the Comelec set up a satellite office at the SM Mall of Asia to allow PWDs in cities of Pasay, Parañaque and Makati to register for the 2010 polls.

Comelec education and information department chief James Jimenez said around 200 residents were expected to register yesterday.

The Comelec started last Tuesday the registration of voters in areas outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in preparation for the 2010 polls.

He said the deadline for voters’ registration is on Dec. 15, 2009. – Helen Flores