Satellite registration for indigenous people set

MANILA, Philippines — To ensure that more indigenous people can vote in the May 2020 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold special satellite registration from Sept. 16 to 20.

Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia said an IP Registration Week would be conducted across the country.

“The project aims to intensify registration efforts within various IP communities all over the country to highlight the importance of IP voters as members of the electorate and to increase awareness on electoral issues and concerns of IP communities,” Guia said.

The Comelec said it would hold at least one satellite registration in provinces with identified IP communities.

The Comelec provincial and regional offices are finalizing the areas where satellite registrations will be conducted.

Guia said those interested to conduct satellite registrations for IP communities should coordinate with the offices of the election officer or provincial election supervisor in their area.

There are around 100,000 IPs registered as voters as of last February.

The Comelec resumed continuing voter registration on Aug.1, which will run for two months inclusive of Saturdays and holidays.

Approximately two million new voters are expected to register during the period.