IN ONLY 10 days, almost 2.8 million Filipinos have sought to become registered voters, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
Data released by the Comelec showed that there are a total of 2,727,643 applicants for voter registration during the period of August 1 to 10.
On the last day of voter registration alone, the Comelec recorded 590,639 applicants nationwide.
Calabarzon had the highest number of applicants in the 10 days with 324,017.
Also seeing high number of voter registrants are the Negros Island Region with 234,032; Central Luzon with 220,650; and Bicol Region with 206,845.
There were also 188,702 voter registrants in the National Capital Region, while 10,549 applied via the Register Anywhere, Anytime Program.
In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are happy over the high number of applicants for voter registration.
"Ito po ang pinakamatagumpay na registration sa kasaysayan ng voter registration. Nakakatuwa. In 10 days, halos 2.8 million nagparehistro," said Garcia.
(This is the most successful registration in the history of voter registration. It’s delightful. In just 10 days, almost 2.8 million have registered.)
The poll chief, however, reminded all applicants that their application for voter registration does not automatically mean that they are already registered voters.
"May dadaanan pang Election Registration Board. Pero umaasa tayo na ang mga yan ay magiging successful registrants. Kung may mabawas man, konting konti na lang yun," said Garcia.
(They still have to go through the Election Registration Board, but we are hopeful that they will become successful registrants. If there are any who will be removed, it will only be very few.) (TPM/SunStar Philippines)
