Comelec sets up satellite registration for PWDs, elderly

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set up satellite registration in different barangays for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca yesterday said PWDs and senior citizens should avail themselves of the satellite registration to avoid possible disenfranchisement.

Padaca said if they have difficulty going to city or municipal offices, PWDs and senior citizens could register through satellite registration in their respective barangays.

“Our local Comelec offices in the whole Philippines have been posting their schedules for barangay satellite registration in their offices,” she said, adding that the concerned voters may inquire from village officials.

Comelec Resolution No. 9853 provides that there should be at least one satellite registration for every barangay in the country.

Under the resolution, satellite registration shall be conducted either in barangay halls, public or private schools, commercial establishments and other public places within the city or municipality.

The Comelec also ordered that express lanes should be established during registration for the exclusive use of the PWDs and senior citizens as well as heavily pregnant applicants.

Registration for the 2016 national and local elections began last May 6 and will continue until Oct. 31, 2015.

The Comelec previously warned that over nine million registered voters face delisting from the voters’ list if they fail to secure the required automated identification from the poll body.