Villanueva bats for electronic voter registration as COVID-19 threat continues

A shift to electronic means of voter registration in the Philippines must be made, moreso as the country still grapples with the threats of COVID-19, according to Senator Joel Villanueva on Monday.

"As part of our adjustment to the times, the Comelec (Commission on Elections) should be given an option to conduct the voter registration through electronic means. Not only does it make it more convenient for people to register, it will also help improve the data-keeping efforts of the commission," Villanueva said in a statement.

"Creating an online platform will help lighten the burden of Comelec to process applications manually, and our people can be a registered voter right in the comfort and safety of our homes," he added.

Comelec has suspended its voter registration activities nationwide until June 30 because of the COVID-19 situation.

"The conduct of voter registration is not yet advisable since there will be restrictions on the movement of people and on certain activities," Comelec Executive Director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said.

Senate Bill No. 1516, filed by Villanueva on May 11, seeks to authorize the poll body to use and implement an automated and online system for voter registration.

Application, transfer of registration, reactivation, and correction of voter registration entries are among the services that should be offered in the proposed platform.

For the short-term transition and implementation, the bill also provides for the adoption of an online application verification system where applicants may upload the requirements.

Upon verification, the Comelec may inform the applicant to submit additional requirements or issue other steps necessary for the completion of the application.

This bill is among the several measures to be taken up in the upcoming hearing of the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms within the day. — Dona Magsino/RSJ, GMA News