WITH the "Early Voting Bill" still uncertain to be passed in time, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved, "in principle," the proposed "Early Voting Hours for the Vulnerable Sectors" to be implemented in the upcoming October 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In a statement, the Comelec announced that the "Early Voting Hours for the Vulnerable Sectors" policy shall be adopted by the poll body once deemed necessary.
"The Comelec is already aiming to conduct pilot tests of Early Voting Hours for senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and other members of the vulnerable sectors," said the Comelec.
"This has been approved in principle by the Commission on Elections," it added.
The commission said the policy was approved to serve as a backup in case the proposed law is not passed in time.
"This serves as a contingency measure to still afford our vulnerable sectors the added comfort and convenience in voting in case the Early Voting Bill is not yet passed in time for the October 30, 2023 BSKE," said the Comelec.
Earlier, Comelec Chairman George Garcia proposed the "Early Voting Hours" policy, wherein polling precincts will be opened earlier on Election Day for the exclusive benefit of members of the vulnerable sectors.
Under such a proposal, in case the voting period starts at 7 a.m., Electoral Boards will be tasked to open the polling precincts from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. for seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant, and indigenous people.
The House of Representatives unanimously approved on third and final reading the proposed measure providing early voting for qualified senior citizens, persons with disabilities, lawyers and health workers.
The bill aims to allow for separate voting days before the actual date of the elections for the said sectors. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)