Bangsamoro plebiscite: Voters need not present ID

MANILA, Philippines — Voters need not present their identification cards to participate in the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said reports that voters should present their IDs to participate in the plebiscite are the “biggest disinformation concern” of the poll body.

“We sent word to our field officials to address that... (Voters) do not need an ID,” Jimenez said.

He said the identities of the voters would be verified through the official voters’ lists, which include their photos.

If the  identity of a voter is questioned, Jimenez said the Comelec would require a sworn statement.

Comelec Commissioner Al Parreño signed a memorandum of agreement with  Ghazali Jaafar, Bangsamoro Transition Commission chairman, and Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. to conduct an information drive on the plebiscite.

At least 2.8 million voters are expected to participate in the plebiscite that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The plebiscite will be held on Jan. 21 in the ARMM; Isabela, Basilan; Cotabato City; Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pikit and Pigkawayan in North Cotabato, and Lanao del Norte, except in Iligan City.

The plebiscite will be conducted on Feb. 6 in 103 areas contiguous to the proposed BARMM.