THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to revive online voter registration for the May 2022 elections.
According to Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, they have decided to revive the iRehistro project, which will cut the registration process.
"Our Commission En Banc has approved the implementation of iRehistro, an electronic registration project," said Guanzon in a statement.
"This will cut the (registration processing) time spent by half," she added.
In past voter registration activities, the Comelec adopted the use of iRehistro, wherein applicants may visit www.iRehistro.com or www.comelec.gov.ph to fill out and print three copies of the specified form on legal sized bond paper.
Applicants will then have to personally visit the local Comelec offices to present the accomplished form and any valid identification (ID) card, and have their biometrics data taken.
Guanzon, though, added that she is looking to "level up" the online voter registration system in the future.
She said she is eyeing the possibility of no longer requiring applicants to go to local election offices, starting with those who already have passports.
"Voter registration online for those with passports since we can verify their biometrics from the data of the Department of Foreign Affairs," said Guanzon.
Subsequently, she said even those without passports may already do away with the visits to local poll offices.
"When we have a National ID system, this will be easier to do and will cover more voters," noted Guanzon.
To recall, voter registration activities nationwide were suspended by the Comelec in view of the enhanced community quarantine imposed by the government in Luzon and other areas in the country. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)