ASIDE from the local voter registration, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has also extended the suspension of overseas voter registration being held in the country due to the extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“In view of the extension of the enhanced community quarantine , the suspension of overseas registration in the local field registration centers and in the OFOV is further extended from April 30, 2020 to June 30, 2020,” said Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, the officer in charge of the Comelec-Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV).
Before the ECQ was declared due to COVID-19, the poll body was holding overseas voter registration at the Department of Foreign Affairs offices in Alabang, Aseana, Robinsons Galeria, and SM Manila, as well as at the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and Maritime Industry Authority.
Operations of the local field registration centers for overseas voting were suspended last March.
Guanzon also said the holding of the first Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) hearing for applications for registration as overseas voter has been postponed from May 20, 2020 to July 20, 2020.
The RERB hearing set for July 20, 2020 shall cover overseas voter applications for the first and second quarters (December 16, 2019 – June 30, 2020).
“The said postponement and extension are still subject to an earlier termination or extension as conditions so warrant,” Guanzon said.
Last week, the poll body announced that it is extending the suspension of voter registration in the country up to June 30, 2020.
“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 said.
Last March 9, Comelec offices in all cities and municipalities nationwide were directed to suspend voter registration until March 31. Subsequently, on March 27, the Comelec resolved to reschedule the lifting of the suspension from March 31 to April 30.
