Registration applicants warned vs fixers

MANILA, Philippines - Voters were warned yesterday against unscrupulous individuals promising faster processing of voters’ identification cards.

Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez said they have received reports that “fixers” are hanging around Comelec offices offering fast registration for a fee.

“Based from reports we got, these people approach those who are in line to register and promise to facilitate their registration and issuance of voters’ ID,” he said.

“It’s a flat-out scam on the public. Money for nothing,” Jimenez added.

Jimenez said the fixers would get application forms and supposedly submit the document to the election officers, and then provide the applicant the voters’ ID a few minutes later.

 “Sometimes, the fixers even ask for an additional fee,” he said.

Jimenez said the public must not fall prey to the racket since the voter registration being conducted since May 6 is for free.

“It is impossible for a person to become a registered voter without personal appearance because of the biometrics requirement,” he said.

An applicant must personally fill out the application form and must not transact with fixers, Jimenez said.