IN JUST the first week of the voter registration period, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it received over 100,000 applications for registration in time for the May 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
"The turnout seems to be good and huge, largely from the youth. There are more youths filing applications," said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez in an interview.
Of the 100,399 applications received since August 1, 92,392 came from regular voters or those 18 years old and above while 8,007 are SK voters or those aged 15 to 17.
The region with the highest turnout for regular voter applicants is Calabarzon with 19,651. Central Visayas has the highest number of prospective SK voters at 1,043.
Meanwhile, there were more female applicants at 55,975 compared to the 44,424 male applicants.
Jimenez said they expect more voters to file applications once it is ascertained that the May 2020 elections will push through.
"We still have those voters who follow the rhythm of the elections. A lot of people wait until it is necessary before they actually register," said Jimenez.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 22, President Rodrigo Duterte asked the House of Representatives and the Senate to approve a measure that would suspend the conduct of synchronized village and youth elections in May 2020.
Duterte did not cast his vote last May 2018 for the twin elections, as he stressed that these were "purely political" in nature.
Since then, there have been moves in Congress to postpone the barangay and youth elections from May 2020 to October 2022.
The Comelec resumed voter registration on August 1. Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10549, registration will run until September 30.
Applications may be filed from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of the Election Officer or any satellite registration site in the locality where the applicant resides. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)