Comelec en banc to decide on extension of voter registration

The Commission on Elections' (Comelec) en banc will soon decide whether to extend voter registration deadline  for Eleksyon 2022 beyond its deadline on September 30, 2021.

According to Tina Panganiban Perez's "24 Oras" report, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said they had a meeting to tackle the recommendation on voter registration extension, which will be revealed on Wednesday.

"We had a management committee meeting earlier today where the chairman and commissioners [are]  consulted with the different regional directors and other officials of Comelec," Jimenez said.

"We are preparing the recommendation now and it will be submitted to the en banc on Wednesday.   En banc will deliver it on their recommendation and we see what happens on Wednesday," he added.

Amid long lines at voter registration sites as the deadline nears, both chambers of Congress have been pushing for a one month extension for the voter registration period.

The Senate and House of Representatives passed on third reading their versions of a bill seeking to extend the voter registration deadline to allow more eligible voters to register amid the continued suspensions during the pandemic.

In previous Senate hearings, Comelec chairman Sheriff Abas said they declined calls to extend the voter registration because they have tight deadlines for Eleksyon 2022 preparation.

But Jimenez said they are open for discussion because of public clamor.—LDF, GMA News