Comelec: Transfer of registration not included in August enlistment

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia (Noy Morcoso/ INQUIRER.net)

MANILA – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said Friday the resumption of the voters’ registration from Aug. 1 to 10 is solely for first-time voters and those who have been deactivated, to enable them to participate in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) slated late this year.

“With such a short time…their applications might not reach the Election Registration Board (ERB) hearings and even if they applied, their applications might not be approved,” he said as he noted that those who want to transfer their registration are not included in the August enlistment.

ERB hearings are conducted to approve or disapprove applications for voter registration, and delist voters by reason of death, failure to vote in two succeeding regular elections, and other grounds provided by law.

At the same time, Garcia noted that they were sticking to their earlier statement as to the expected one million new voters.

“We estimated one million in 11 days, we are still sticking to that. Registration will be done throughout the Philippines,” he said.

“We hope that those who have not voted will be interested in registering or reactivating. This is their opportunity to register and vote,” the Comelec chief added.

The BSKE is set to be held on December 1.