Comelec vows to be even more aggressive in pushing ‘No Bio, No Boto’ campaign

The Commission on Elections vowed Wednesday to be even more aggressive in pushing its “No Bio, No Boto” campaign urging voters to register and validate their biometrcics for the 2016 polls.

 

“To the extent that we can be even more aggressive than we already are? Of course,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a text message to GMA News Online.

 

He said the “No Bio, No Boto” campaign has been their consistent theme since May 2014.

 

“Our election offices have also been sending out letters to individuals who have no biometrics, urging them to come forward lest they be deactivated and thereby lose their right to vote in 2016,” he added.

 

He further said that the Philippine National Police is also helping the Comelec in information dissemination.

 

“We're also being assisted in our public information efforts by the PNP, which has made “No Bio, No Boto” reminders a part of their public outreach programs,” Jimenez said.

 

He also noted that even religious groups are lending a hand to the Comelec's campaign.

 

“Both the PPCRV (Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) and the top leadership of the Iglesia ni Cristo have been heavily promoting the 'No Bio, No Boto' as a call to action in their respective constituencies and congregations,” he said.

 

Jimenez said that based on Comelec records as of end of January 2015, a total of 4.7 million voters do not have biometrics which includes their photograph, fingerprint and signature. The validation or taking of biometrics is a requirement before a voter will be allowed to cast his vote next year.

 

A Social Weather Stations survey showed that 17.8 million Filipinos or 30 percent of registered voters have yet to validate, while 4.5 million or eight percent were yet to register.

Some 37.4 million Filipinos or 63 percent of adults are validated and can vote in 2016, according to the survey. —KG, GMA News