Halt of validation of voters saddens local poll official

CEBU, Philippines - An official of the Commission on Elections in Cebu was disappointed over the suspension of the validation of voters registration records.

Election supervisor Atty. Ferdinand Gujilde said they have already made the necessary preparations for the validation. He said the election officers have coordinated with the different barangays to schedule their validation.

“We are kind of disappointed nga gi-suspend ang validation. Ang mga barangay intawn naka-schedule na only to find out nga na-suspend diay,” Gujilde said.

The Comelec has suspended the validation to give way for the registration of new voters in preparation for the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on October 28, 2013.

Under the Republic Act 10367 or the Act providing for the Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration, the validation was supposed to start last July 1. But the poll body ordered to suspend it effective July 12.

Meanwhile, Gujilde reminded the public of the important dates for the barangay and SK elections. The filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) will be on October 15-17.  The campaign period will start on October 18 until 26. The election day is on October 28.  (FREEMAN)