Voters urged: Validate registration

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated its call for voters without biometrics data to validate their registration.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. yesterday said only half a million of the 9.6 million without biometrics data have so far validated their registration. 

“It is important for voters to validate their registration because if they do not have their biometrics they cannot vote in 2016.  Disenfranchisement is something that we don’t want to happen to them,” Brillantes said.

Biometrics data pertain to digital photograph, signature and fingerprint. 

The voter’s registration, which began last May 6, will end on Oct. 31, 2015. 

Aside from validation and registration of new voters, voters could also apply for deactivation of registration, correction, and update of entries in their records.

The poll body said a majority of voters without biometrics registered in early 2000, when the system was introduced.

“While they have been able to vote in the past, (they) will no longer be able to participate in the 2016 elections if they do not have their biometrics taken by the end of the current registration period,” Brillantes said. 

The Comelec is targeting the registration of some 5.6 million voters for 2016, up from the 5.2 million voters in last year’s elections.