Comelec to start deactivation of voters without biometrics

MANILA, Philippines – Voters without the required biometrics data have only until today to stop their exclusion from the list of eligible voters for the May 2016 elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec), in a resolution, ordered the deactivation of voters who failed to have their biometrics taken before the deadline expired last month.

It also directed all Election Registration Boards (ERBs) to initiate hearings for the deactivation of voters’ registration records by Nov. 16.

Under the Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration Act, a voter who failed to submit for validation of records shall be deactivated in an ERB hearing prior to Election Day. A biometrics data registration refers to the automated capturing of photo, signature and fingerprints of a registered voter.

The Comelec said there are about three million voters still without biometrics data and thus be unable to vote in next year’s polls.

In line with the deactivation proceedings, local election officers will post the lists of voters without biometrics in the bulletin boards of the city or municipal halls, Offices of the Election Officer (EOs), and in barangay halls along with the notice of ERB hearings.

The EOs will also send individual notices to affected voters included in the list of those without biometrics data.

“Any opposition or objection to the deactivation of records shall be filed not later than Nov.  9,” the Comelec said.

Once the ERBs issue a ruling, the EOs will deactivate those without biometrics in the Book of Voters.

No more extension

The Comelec, meanwhile, also expressed confidence that the Supreme Court (SC) will rule against a petition seeking an extension on the registration of voters.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said he and other election officials are optimistic that the SC will recognize that the poll body gave the public all the opportunities to register as voters.

“We have bent backward to try to accommodate as many voters as we can. It was 18 months. I think it was enough time for people to really register,” Bautista said.