Comelec to extend registration hours

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will extend for a few hours today the registration of voters for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said they would accept and process applications beyond the 5 p.m. deadline.

 Today is the last day of the registration period, which started on Nov. 7.

“The capturing of biometrics shall continue until the application of those listed is processed,” Bautista said in a memorandum.

He said the full commission agreed to extend the last day of registration to accommodate as many voters who will beat the deadline.       

“The commission has always leaned toward voter enfranchisement… Election officers were instructed to accommodate all who lined up to register,” he said.

The Comelec said at least 2,174,601 have registered for the barangay and SK elections since Nov. 7.

Bautista said there would be no extension of the registration period.

The Comelec earlier set the election period for the SK and barangay elections from Sept. 23 to Oct. 30. Those intending to run can file their certificates of candidacy from Sept. 23 to Sept. 30.