PHILIPPINES—After a long period of campaigning to get all eligible voters registered and ready for next year’s national elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is singing out an urgent call for one last stretch until September 30, 2021.
The deadline remains for all eligible Filipino voters, that is: Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old on or before Election Day (May 9, 2022), a resident of the Philippines for at least one year, and a resident of the place you intend to vote in for at least 6 months.
Now, more than ever, given everything the pandemic has brought to light in Philippine society and politics, it’s of utmost importance to get everyone as involved as possible, especially the youth. With the government facing heavy criticism these days due to corruption accusations, inefficient COVID-19 responses, and unnecessarily hostile comments thrown to one another and the general Filipino public, it’s an understatement to say that we need to reevaluate our politicians and make better decisions this coming year. Hence, the incessant campaign to get as many new voters registered as possible.
Although strictly online registrations are not possible to ensure data security, COMELEC has launched iRehistro, a portal where eligible voters can accomplish their forms online, print, and present the form in the office. As of late, though, the site has been down. Perhaps due to high traffic with the approaching deadline.
You can still print the documents on this list, accomplish them by the ol’ pen and paper, and submit the accomplished versions in the nearest COMELEC office. These are the documents you need to prepare to register:
- CEF-1 – Registration/Application
- Annex B – Supplementary Data Form
- Coronavirus Self Declaration Form, pursuant to item 5 (b) of Resolution No. 10674.
- You also need to present a valid ID, and a photocopy of the same ID to submit.
- Reminder: Bring your own pen and hand sanitizer, and wear a face mask and face shield.
Upon filling out the forms and preparing the documents, you need to submit them to your nearest local COMELEC office or the Offices of the Election Officer. There you need to get your forms processed, get your photo taken, and input your biometrics in the form of fingerprints, and a digital signature.
However, with the COVID-19 virus growing in strength and communicability, and hospitals across the country raising the alarm for max capacity, it’s understandable that many are still hesitant to go out there and register. In response, the COMELEC has opened several initiatives to lessen crowding, and ensure the safety of all people coming in and out of the office, while still maintaining the urgency of the matter.
Firstly, the offices have extended their operating hours in a day, even in MECQ areas where registration has recently reopened. Until September 30, COMELEC offices will be open from 8AM to 5PM, Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays. For areas under GCQ and modified GCQ, voter registration remains from 8AM to 7PM from Mondays to Fridays, and 8AM to 5PM on Saturdays and holidays.
Partnerships with Robinsons, Ayala Malls and SM Supermalls have also been announced for satellite voter registration, which hopes to alleviate the expected crowding in offices in the coming weeks approaching the deadline.
While many Filipinos demand an extension from COMELEC due to the recent alarming rise of COVID-19 cases, it has yet to be confirmed. So, in the mean time, we need to make do with the time we have in case an extension will not be issued by officials, given the natural schedule of these proceedings.
For more information, you can check out COMELEC’s official registration guide here.
Youth-oriented initiative Vote Pilipinas also remains to be on top of all updates coming from the COMELEC regarding the voter registration. Follow them on social media to get regular announcements.