Voter registration turnout remains high – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — A favorable voter turnout has been recorded since voter registration resumed on July 4 in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in December.

“Mataas ang turnout natin at ang pinakamaganda sa aming na-obserbahan ay generally peaceful and orderly ang pagpila ng ating mga kababayan,” Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting spokesman Rex Laudiangco said yesterday.

He said he is waiting for updates from the election and barangay affairs department.

Laudiangco said Comelec offices nationwide would accept registrants from Monday to Saturday, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until July 23.

He said those aged 15 to 17, including those turning 15 before the SK elections on Dec. 5, can apply for registration.

Those 18 years old and above are qualified to register for the barangay elections.

Aside from accepting applications for registration, Laudiangco said Comelec offices would accept transfer of records, transfer of registration and application for change or correction of entries.

He said overseas Filipino workers who want to participate in the barangay and SK elections may also apply for transfer of overseas registration.

The Comelec is also accepting reactivation of records.

‘Move polls to May 2023’

Meanwhile, Quezon City second district Rep. Ralph Tulfo pushed yesterday for the holding of barangay and SK elections in May 2023.

In a statement, Tulfo said the deferment would give the Comelec and the electorate ”ample time” to prepare considering that the national and local polls were held in May.

“Holding the barangay and SK polls on May 8, 2023 is the best time. It is not too close and not too far off (from the original schedule),” he said.

Tulfo said holding the elections in May 2024 would “prolong the agony and suffering” of citizens who have not been served well and competently by their barangay officials. – Sheila Crisostomo