Voters registration starts slow in Dumaguete City

CEBU, Philippines — The resumption of voters registration in Dumaguete City on Monday started slow, with only about 30 to 40 new registrants, including those who requested for correction of entries in their data, but without transfer of precincts.

City Election Officer Gildu Agoncillo enjoined the voting public to avail themselves of the 25-day registration period (from November 6 to 20, including Saturdays and Sundays)–especially for those who failed to beat the deadline of the previous registration–so they can participate in the May 14, 2018 Sangguniang Kabataan and barangay elections.

Agoncillo said November 30, 2017 is six months before the SK and barangay polls, as required under existing Comelec rules so that a newly registered voter can exercise his right of suffrage.

Other than correction of entries, and reactivation, as well as voters who will turn 15 years old on election day, the poll body will not accommodate transfer of precincts or registration records from one barangay to another.

Agoncillo noted that some local basketball players, who are in demand, are transferring their registration records from one barangay to another so they can play basketball for a fee, especially local government units who can afford to hire local players.

Present records, as of May 2017, show that Dumaguete City only has 1,897 registered voters for the SK, aged 15 to 17 years old, or a total of 28,977, out of the total 82,086 registered voters. (FREEMAN)