DESPITE the delays faced by some overseas voters for the May 2022 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said extending the 30-day period is unconstitutional.
In an interview, Comelec-Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) head Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said it is unlikely they will extend overseas voting beyond May 9.
“An extension beyond May 9, Philippine time? We cannot do that,” said Casquejo. “That would be a violation of the Constitution, because our elections is only until May 9 or 2nd Monday of May.”
Casquejo added an extension is no longer necessary considering that most of the delays only lasted for one day.
“We continue to expect a high voter turnout overseas since the delays only lasted for one day,” said Casquejo.
In addition, he said the mobile and field voting being implemented by the Philippine posts will be helpful.
“It is almost a personal service by the Philippine posts. They want to make sure that the ballots will be received and returned on time,” said Casquejo.
He, however, admitted an exemption could be made for Shanghai, China, where a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown remains in effect.
“The question is what if the lockdown reaches May 9. That is where we will have a problem.
We will have to wait for the decision of the Comelec en banc on that one,” said Casquejo.
