Comelec working hours extended

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved recently a resolution extending its working hours to accommodate the huge number of registrants for the May 2010 elections.

In the resolution approved last Tuesday, the Comelec ordered all poll offices nationwide to stay open and provide services until 7 p.m.

The Comelec also authorized employees to work during Saturdays and holidays, but “no overtime services shall be rendered on Sundays,” the resolution said.

Comelec officials said the overtime work is necessary due to activities and administrative functions in connection with the resumption of continuing registration nationwide and preparation for the May 10, 2010 automated national and local elections.

Poll officials said eligible voters are expected to troop to local election offices in the next few weeks to register for the polls or request for precinct transfer.

Those who are interested to participate in the 2010 presidential elections have until Oct. 31 to register.

Jose Tolentino, Comelec executive director, said the poll body in unlikely to extend the registration as it would delay other poll preparations.

Comelec official Teopisto Elnas Jr. said there are nearly three million new voters as of July 2009.