Politicians urged to campaign for biometrics registration

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday urged politicians planning to run again in next year’s elections to campaign early not for their candidacy but for the poll body’s “No Bio, No Boto” policy.

Spokesman James Jimenez said the Comelec is calling on politicians to come out and encourage their constituents to undergo biometrics registration.

“They can do a lot to make the No Bio, No Boto successful so we ask them to campaign for it,” Jimenez said.

He said the poll body is also seeking the help of celebrities in spreading the word.

Under the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act, those who fail to have their biometrics taken prior to the May 2016 elections shall be deactivated from the voters’ list and not be allowed to vote.

Biometrics data refer to the automated identification of the voter including photograph, fingerprint, and signature.

There are about 3.8 million voters who need to have their biometrics taken.

Jimenez said registered voters have until Oct. 31 to undergo the required procedure.