Daycare centers ordered opened during voter registration period

MANILA, Philippines — To allow more women to register and vote, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) to open their daycare centers during the voter registration period and on election day.
The Comelec cited childcare as one of the reasons why women fail to register and cast their votes during elections.

“Most mothers could not find someone to look after their children when they go out to register or vote,” the Comelec said.

It said this is contrary to a policy of the state that ensures women’s participation in decision-making.

The poll body said daycare centers must accept children of women who wish to register and cast their votes.

“All LGUs – in provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays – are ordered to open their daycare centers during the registration period and on May 11, 2020, or the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” the Comelec said in its Resolution 10581.

It said these centers should  also provide healthy food and drinks for children left under their care.

The voter registration started on Aug. 1 and will run until Sept. 30.