Registration of voters in tri-cities suspended

CEBU, Philippines —The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Cebu has suspended the voter’s registration in tri-cities which were placed under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until August 15.

According to Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, the Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor, the Comelec offices in Cebu Province are open today and will continue with the registration of voters after the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) placed the province under General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

In his previous memorandum dated July 30, 2021, Castillano cited Comelec Resolution 10674 stating that voter’s registration is suspended in areas under ECQ and MECQ.

“If an area under GCQ/ MGCQ, or ‘no quarantine status’ transitioned to ECQ or MECQ status, registration of voters shall be suspended, without need of further authority from the Commission, on the day of the effectivity, and for duration of the ECQ or MECQ status” reads the resolution.

The July 30 memorandum of Castillano included the Province; however, with the recent development, the election supervisor said the Province shall be excluded and will issue another memorandum to that effect.

While the tri-cities are under MECQ starting yesterday, August 1, personnel of the Comelec offices in these areas will observe the “work from home” arrangement.

But while under the WFH setup, they must still be reminded that they are on-call and on-standby during the working hours and ready to render service when the need arises.

Employees must also comply with the Comelec Data Privacy Guidelines for WFH arrangement and must strictly follow minimum health standards and the prevention and control measures and restrictions.

“Stay at home, avoid unnecessary travels and follow LGU’s health advice,” the Comelec reminded its employees. — GMR (FREEMAN)