Comelec chief: 2 days left to register

MANILA, Philippines — Those intending to participate in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled this October have only two days left to register, according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday issued a last-minute appeal to the public to register and be able to exercise the right to vote.

“Matatapos na po ang voter registration sa Jan. 31 kaya magparehistro na po tayo (The voter registration period will end on Jan. 31, so please, let’s register),” Garcia posted on Twitter.

“Muli po nating inaanyayahan ang ating mga kababayan na magparehistro upang makaboto (We are once again enjoining our fellow Filipinos to register so you can vote),” he added.

The Comelec chief noted that voter registration activities are accessible nationwide even at shopping malls.

He advised the public to visit the registration sites at their local Comelec offices as well as satellite registration in selected malls.

Filipino citizens at least 18 years of age on or before the day of the barangay and SK elections; a resident of the Philippines for at least one year and in the place where he/she proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding election day, and are not otherwise disqualified by the law are eligible to register as a regular voter.

For SK voters, eligible to register are Filipino citizens; at least 15 but not more than 30 years of age; residing in the barangay for at least six months on or before the SK elections, and are not otherwise disqualified by the law.

On Dec. 12 last year, the Comelec resumed voter registration, which will end tomorrow.

The poll body has repeatedly announced that it is no longer extending the voter registration period for the October electoral exercise.