‘Avoid rush, register for barangay polls’

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday urged prospective voters to avoid the rush and register for the December barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said all those eligible to participate in the coming barangay and SK elections may already register before their local election offices starting today.

“Because time for registration is limited to enable Comelec comply with election laws, we request that you not wait till the last days to make sure you are registered,” Laudiangco said in a statement in Filipino.

Laudiangco advised registrants to fill up the application forms and ready their proof of identity before proceeding to the Comelec office. Copy of the application form is available in the Comelec office or may be downloaded from its website.

He further reminded applicants to bring their own pens and alcohol when going to the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) near their area.

Applicants must also wear a face mask and should observe distancing. Those experiencing COVID symptoms are requested to reschedule the date of filing their application for registration until they are cleared by doctors.

All OEOs, he said, are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. The registration will last until July 23 only.

Laudiangco said those eligible to register should be at least 15 years old before Dec. 5, 2022, but not more than 30 years. They should be a resident of the Philippines for at least one year and at least six months in the barangay where they intend to vote.