Comelec to go to workplaces to validate voters’ records

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will bring election validating equipment to workplaces to encourage people to validate their voters records.

The public’s response to the Comelec‘s validation program has been lukewarm, with only a fraction of 38 million voters registering or validating their records with Comelec.

In Metro Manila alone, where validating machines are most accessible, only about 10 percent of its five million voting populace have registered or validated their records.

Now, rather than people going to validating centers, the Comelec will be the one to go to workplaces to validate voters’ records. Initially, Comelec will deploy 20 data capturing gadgets to 20 business establishments in Ortigas and Makati City.

Glaxo SmithKline, which markets eye care products locally, will also provide free product samples and free eye check-ups. The memorandum of agreement between Comelec and Glaxo SmithKline has been signed recently by Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos and Glaxo Smithkline‘ Sarah Cunanan.

"The company will help us in information dissemination. They will be handing out flyers and will provide product samples and free eye check-up," said Diego Cagahastian, Comelec Public Information Officer.

Cagahastian said they expect to validate 40,000 persons from as many as 20 to 40 buildings. The project starts Wednesday and will last for more than a month.

Comelec said it will also set aside a 30-minute voters’ forum during the employees’ lunch break to entertain questions regarding the May 2004 elections.