CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is implementing a revised schedule for voter registration in Cebu due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec Cebu provincial election supervisor, said Comelec offices in the province will only accept registration from Mondays to Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
"Registration hours will be from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Administrative works will be done from 3:00pm to 5:00 p.m.,” read Castillano’s memorandum.
The new schedule takes effect today until April 4.
“This new schedule is applicable to all Comelec offices nationwide regardless of quarantine status,” said Castillano.
Previously, voter registration was conducted from Tuesdays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The issuance of voter’s certification, however, is still until 5 p.m.
Castillano said disinfection and containment measures are scheduled for Fridays.
But in case the local government unit prescribes a disinfection day other than Friday, the office of the election officer will also be closed to the public.
Moreover, Castillano said 30 percent of the office staff is required to report to work.
"Number of personnel to report to office shall not be less than two. Election officer (EO) must be present to the office, thus EO is excluded from the work from home arrangement,”Castillano’s memo added.
Satellite registration suspended
Also, Comelec central office, in a press release yesterday, said satellite registration is also suspended.
"The conduct of satellite registration in barangay halls, day care centers, covered courts and other satellite offices nationwide will likewise be suspended until further notice," Comelec said.
The memo on the shortened hours for voter registration and the suspension of satellite registration was in line with Memorandum Circular No. 85 issued by the Office of the President.
Comelec said its move is also part of the executive department's order to reduce in-person capacity in government offices in general community quarantine areas, as the country continued to report significant increase in daily COVID-19 cases.
The last two days saw health officials reporting the highest new infections since the start of the pandemic at over 7,000 and nearly 8,000, with the surge yet to show signs of slowing down.
"The public is reminded that health and safety protocols will continue to be strictly implemented in Comelec offices. Wearing of face mask and face shield is mandatory," said spokesperson James Jimenez.
To minimize physical contact, Jimenez said, online accomplishment of the application form and setting of appointment via irehistro.comelec.gov.ph is encouraged.
Despite the shortening of registration hours, Jimenez sought to remind of how crucial the next elections would be as the Philippines continues to battle the health crisis.
Voter registration will end on September 30, 2021.
"There's always been hope," he wrote on Twitter.
"All you really need is to accept that elections are won by the voters who show up - not just by your angry or inspirational or clever or insightful posts on social media. — with Philippine Star, KQD (FREEMAN)