THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a resolution ordering all local government units to open their day care centers from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
This will help mothers who don’t have anybody to take care of their children find time to vote.
The Comelec resolution is in line with Republic Act 9710, or the Magna Carta for Women, which protects the rights of women to be part of the decision-making process in the country.
The day care centers must continue operating and provide food and drinks to children left in their care today.
Vendor
Newspaper vendor Haydee Ravina, 43, of Barangay Pasil, Cebu City, said that despite having children, she still finds ways to vote during elections.
She would just leave her other children to her eldest child.
“This is nice. Day care centers can help especially if you have nobody to take care of your children when you vote,” she said.
Six children
A 38-year-old fish vendor named Gemma of Pasil welcomed the Comelec resolution.
She said she was not able to vote in the last election because nobody could take care of her six children.
“Lipay kaayo ko nakabati ana, aron makabotar na ko sa akong gusto nga kandidato (I’m so happy to hear that. I can now vote for my candidate),” said Gemma.
“It’s so difficult to bring the children with you when you vote,” she said.
But barangay officials don’t seem to be aware of the resolution.
“I just learned about this today,” said Pasil Barangay Councilor Rannie Abejo.
No copy
Pasil Barangay Captain Julius Ocarol Guioguio said he has not received any copy of the resolution.
“The day care teachers haven’t been informed about this. There’s no more time,” said Guioguio.
According to him, the resolution cannot be implemented in their barangay in today’s elections.
Agencies tasked to disseminate the information are the election offices, and education and information departments.
Comelec offices are required to report to the their election supervisors about the compliance of the resolution. (Gwenna Maurillo Abadiez/USJ-R Intern)