THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Baguio announced the cancellation of voter’s identification card (ID) processing.

Lawyer John Paul Martin, Comelec-Baguio election supervisor, said the cancellation was due to the nationwide implementation of the integrated national identification process.

“We will cease to issue a voter’s identification card because of the integrated national identification, which I think is set to be initiated this month by the Philippine Statistics Office nationwide,” Martin said.

Pursuant to the observance of the minimum health standards issued by the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission en Banc promulgated new protocols in the process of securing a Voter’s Certification, which institutionalize the new normal, pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10672. The concerned Offices of the Election Officers (OEOs) have been directed to be Covid-19-ready.

A voter’s certification will be issued instead.

“If a client wishes to avail of a voter’s certification, all they have to do is to also book their names online stating on when they will be availing of the certification and we will be issuing this for free,” added Martin.

On March 15, Comelec suspended the issuance of voter’s certification nationwide following the declaration of a state of public health emergency in the country, pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation No. 922, and the issuances of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

“As for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and others needing assistance, an authorized person may request on their behalf, who must submit a special power of attorney (SPA) or an authorization letter and photocopies of a valid ID of both the requesting party and the authorized representative,” Martin added.