VOTERS registration will resume July 1 according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Cordillera.
Benguet Election Supervisor Julia Elenita Capuyan said the tribunal is preparing for the scheduled registration following protocols under Comelec resolution and memorandum pertaining to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
“It is now mandatory for us to wear face masks during the registration process with our work schedule starting at 8 a.m. to 12 noon and resumes at 1 to 5 p.m. having no overtime for the meantime from Monday to Friday,” Capuyan said.
At present, Comelec operates with skeletal workforce in conjunction with the coronavirus health protocol in limiting government workforce.
This is aside from those instructed to do work from home.
“Comelec is currently studying the possibility of a full force operation by June 1st nationwide. Our main office required us not to report to office since the start of the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine(ECQ) in March, but there is a proposal at the main office for all of us to undergo testing to which the commission is currently procuring test kits for Comelec employees only,” Capuyan added.
Based on Comelec resolution for voters’ registration, the deadline for registration is set on September 30,2021.
“Registrants now will have to strictly observe social distancing and conduct the registration process through physical barriers developed by the commission to prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus. Persons with disabilities will be assisted but would have to be protective gears designed for senior citizens while satellite registration is suspended until further notice,” Capuyan added.
Capuyan said those interested to register are advised to download the voter’s registration form from the official website Comelec.
Comelec is also looking at innovating registration thru appointment system, similar with the Department of Foreign Affairs.