By Regina Elaine Vendivil

After the Senate and the House of Representatives have approved the bill extending voter registration by at least a month, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now “likely” to grant the request of lawmakers, said spokesman James Jimenez on Tuesday, September 28, 2021. 

“After consultation with COMELEC officials, and in consideration of the public clamor, it is likely that an extension of the period of voter registration will be granted,” said Jimenez.

The en banc will meet on Wednesday to come up with a final decision on the matter of extension of voter registration. 

The Senate and the House both passed the bill yesterday, September 27, extending voter registration for the May 2022 elections by a month or until October 31. 

Initially, the Comelec proposed a probable one-week registration extension after the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 1 to 8, however, lawmakers were not satisfied with the short amount of time and insisted on a full one-month extension. 

The commission earlier declined calls for an extension and closing the registration period at a later date as this would cause delays to other preparations for next year’s elections.

Jiminez then stated in an interview with Teleradyo last Monday, September 27, that the poll body is willing to move the deadline to give voters more time to register. 

“Ang sense ng commissioners natin at mga opisyal ng Comelec, kailangang pagbigyan ang clamor ng taumbayan,” said Jimenez.

To register, visit iRegister or the official website of Comelec for more information.  

References: 

Lopez, M., & CNN Philippines. (2021, September 28). Comelec “likely” to extend voter registration period, says spokesman. CNN Philippines. Retrieved from https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/9/28/Voter-registration-extension-likely-Comelec.html

De Leon, D. (2021, September 28). Changing tune, Comelec now says 1-month extension of registration “possible.” Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/comelec-changes-tune-says-likely-extend-voter-registration-september-2021?fbclid=IwAR1_3EItlQPaNK2FjJG59KA3yt7ptHFbh14Ry4A2Du4hYWjAg__e3i9woRQ 

Cepeda, M. (2021, September 27). Senate approves bill extending voter registration. Rappler. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/senate-approves-extension-voter-registration-2021

‌Photo Source: Philippine Star/Michael Varcas