Youth partylist asks COMELEC for SK registration extension

CEBU, Philippines - In order to give more members of the youth sector the chance to vote in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan, as well as the barangay elections, a youth partylist group has asked the Commission on Elections for an extension of registration.

Yesterday, AKBAYAN Youth regional youth organizer Chatch Calderon went to the office of Comelec-7  director Rafael Olaño to ask for a two-day extension of the registration. The last day of registration is on July 30.

"It means that more youth can participate with the upcoming elections if ever the COMELEC would allow an extension," Calderon said, adding they are expecting more voters due to Comelec Resolution 10148 which adjusts the age from 17 years old to 15 years old.

However, Olaño said that they cannot extend the registration due to the lack of time.

"That's the one issue but hindi ito ma extend kasi kulang sa oras and after this magkakaroon pa kami ng Election Registration Board to screen sa mga nagpa rehistro and to finalize the list of voters and by October 3 to 5 filling of Certificate of Candidacy (COC)," Olaño said, adding that they have allowed voters, as well as the candidates to register during weekends.

After their meeting, Calderon said they would just have to make use of the remaining time to ask the youth to register since the Comelec will not extend the registration period. 

 "I think the COMELEC won't allow any extension then we have to encourage and thoroughly campaign so that the people will be informed within what's left of the registration period," Calderon said, adding that they have assigned some of their members to go to the barangays to ask the youths to register. 

He said they also have a Facebook page where they entertain questions regarding the registration.

"We are part of the SK Reform Coalition and they can send their queries in the FB page which is very responsive to messages," Calderon said.

Meanwhile, the Comelec is warning politicians over giving free rides and food to those who want to register in Comelec offices.

 "Lumalabas na baka ma-impluwensiyahan nila yung mga boboto so pinagbabawal yun ng COMELEC, okay lang yung tutulong ka to facilitate the registration pero yung mamimigay free food, it has partition eh bawal pa rin yun," Olaño said.

Further, he encourages those who have not registered to do so before the deadline on July 30 to avoid inconvenience.

"Lahat ng mag paparehistro we only have two days more pumunta na po kayo sa opisina ng inyong election officers to have your name registered as voters magsisimula ng alas 8 ng umaga hanggang alas 5 ng hapon, kong ngayon may time na kayo pumunta na kayo at mag pa rehistro para hindi na kayo pumila pa sa Sabado," Olaño said. (FREEMAN)