Senators want extension of voter registration

MANILA, Philippines - Senators Francis Escudero and Alan Peter Cayetano have sought a further extension of voter registration by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to make sure every Filipino will be accommodated during the May 2010 general elections.

Escudero said the registration deadline for new voters could be extended for another two weeks after Oct. 31, specifically for the people from areas ravaged by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng.”

Earlier this week, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) revealed that more than four million people, or nearly 900,000 families, have been affected by the back-to-back typhoons.

“The Comelec should consider the fact that thousands lost their homes, belongings, members of their families as well as friends. They are still rebuilding their lives,” Escudero said.

“While I’m certain that they want to participate in the next national elections, most have other priorities for the moment,” he added.

Cayetano also said millions of voters could be disenfranchised if the Comelec would not extend its deadline and allow satellite registration.

Based on figures from the Comelec, around 2.8 million of an expected four million new voters have registered as of this week.

There are around 45.6 million Filipinos who are qualified to vote on May 10, 2010.

The Comelec decided to extend the hours of registration but said the Oct. 31 deadline would stay.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate electoral reforms committee, also said the turnout so far should convince the Comelec to establish more registration centers in schools, barangay halls and other public facilities.