Voters flocking Comelec to beat Oct. 31 deadline

CEBU, Philippines - As the October 31 deadline draws near, hundreds of residents in Cebu City flocked to the Commission on Elections yesterday to register to vote for next year’s polls.

Lawyer Marchel Sarno, election officer of the city’s north district, noted that the average number of registrants increased significantly yesterday, reaching up to 400. Several weeks ago, the average number of registrants was 200 to 300 per day.

Sarno said they expected the surge and are prepared to cater to up to 500 a day in the coming days.

He asked for patience from those who are yet to register.

“Hinaot lang na dili lang ang I.D. ang dad-on sa mga moparehistro, apil na ang pasensiya tungod sa kataas sa linya ug dapat pod nga mag-early bird para dili ma-angry bird,” he said in jest.

As of July 2015, there are 279,000 registered voters in the north district. There are at least 320,000 voters in the south district.

“Quarterly man gud ang approval sa registration sa atong election registration board maong sa July pa na siya, mao na ang latest count. It will increase gyod sa next nato nga approval kay daghan na ang nagpa-register,” he said.

“Katong wala pa magparehistro, dapat lihok na as early as now,” he added.

Sarno said registration will be suspended temporarily for a week from October 12 to October 16 to pave the way for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy for those running for office.

Comelec Regional Director Rafael Olaño has directed Sarno to receive the COCs of Cebu City officials from the two districts.

Sarno said a candidate is free to bring supporters – even a motorcade – during filing.

He said he will evaluate whether or not there is a need to close the road near the Comelec office or to put up tents outside.

“We are also seeing as an option that by October 26 to 30, we will not hold the registration in the office. Nangita mi if pwede sa malls or sa Abellana (National School). This is our pro-active measure kay we noticed man gud nga daghan gyod kaayo ang moparehistro ana,” Sarno said.  (FREEMAN)