AROUND 2.4 million Filipinos have registered as voters for the May 2022 national and local elections.

In an interview during their voter registration information drive in Quezon City, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said they received 500,000 applications in January 2020 and around 1.9 million applications since September 1, 2020.

Voter registration activities for the May 2022 elections began on January 20, 2020, but was suspended on March 9, 2020 due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

It resumed on September 1, 2020 and will run until September 30, 2021.

With a goal of having 4.0 million applicants, Jimenez said they are continuously encouraging the public to get registered.

"The numbers are still not enough because our target is 4.0 million. Let's go for it," he said.

He said those looking to become registered voters should not be afraid of acquiring Covid-19 in voter registration centers.

"Do not be afraid. Since we resumed registration, there have been zero cases of transmission registered in our Comelec offices. So it is safe to get registered," said the poll official.

Jimenez said all they have to do is observe strict health protocols when inside local Comelec offices.

Applicants for local voters may apply from Tuesdays to Saturdays (including holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) nationwide. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)