Special registration for PWDs set July 20

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set a special registration day for voters with disability.

Spokesman James Jimenez said voters with disability can register at Comelec local offices nationwide on July 20.

“On July 20, all elections officers nationwide will designate accessible registration venues within their respective jurisdictions,” he said.

The national day for voters with disability is being undertaken in conjunction with the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

Jimenez said all barangay chairmen nationwide are also encouraged to provide transportation for their constituents with disability wishing to register for the 2016 elections.

All qualified persons with disability (PWD) nationwide are encouraged to visit the nearest Comelec Office or   designated registration sites in their area to register or update their records.

Jimenez said election officers will adopt Comelec rules and regulations on the conduct of continuing voter registration.

The Comelec has issued a resolution setting a special registration day for PWDs upon the request of the National Council of Disability Affairs, he added.

The Comelec has ordered the setting up of satellite registration in different barangays for PWDs and senior citizens.

Comelec Resolution No. 9853 requires at least one satellite registration for every barangay.

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

The Comelec also ordered that express lanes be established during registration for the exclusive use of 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.

Children with disability

The House of Representatives is set to deliberate on a bill seeking to grant tax breaks to parents of children with disability and other special needs.

The House committee on ways and means chaired by Marikina City Rep. Romero Quimbo will tackle House Bill 4516 filed by Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar. – With Paolo Romero