Long queues greet voter registrants in Manila, Pasay

People who want cast their vote in the 2022 elections waited for hours under the heat of the sun to register at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices in Manila and Pasay.

Voter registration in the National Capital Region Plus (NCR Plus) resumed after the quarantine classification in the region and nearby provinces was eased.  The registration will be until September 30, 2021, according to a report by Bernadette Reyes on “24 Oras.”

In Manila, the computer that malfunctioned delayed the processing of data  resulting in longer wait. 

One of the registrants, a medical doctor, warned the swarming of people in the area to get registered could cause a “super spreading event.”

“Nasira ang laptop, tsaka siksikan, pwedeng mag-cause ng super spreading event. Walang social distancing, tsaka kawawa yung mga tao kasi ang init-init nakapila.” Dr. Nimfa Putong, a registrant said.

Sheila Mae Eresmas, a youth voter, observed there were also people jumping the line.

Alvin Talosig, acting election officer of Manila’s District 5, can only advise the people to follow health protocols.

“May pandemya tayo, hindi natin alam kung sinong pwedeng makahawa sa atin kaya iwas-iwas lang tayo,” he said.

In Pasay City, a senior citizen couple also braved the heat to get registered.

“Nag-iingat na lang, kaya social distancing,” Lourdes Te said.  Her husband added, “Gusto ko pa ring bumoto kasi saying din yung one vote.”

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that potential voters still need to personally got to Comelec offices to do biometrics.