PASIG CITY, Aug. 15 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) today advised Metro Manila residents that the resumption of voter registration will begin on Sept. 1, provided the National Capital Region (NCR) will be placed under a more lenient general community quarantine (GCQ) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"In Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10674, promulgated 12 August 2020, the election management body scheduled the resumption of voter registration on September 1, 2020 nationwide, except in areas under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) or Modified (ECQ)," the Comelec Director James Jimenez said in a statement.
"In areas currently under ECQ or MECQ, voter registration will automatically resume once the quarantine status is either downgraded to GCQ [general community quarantine] or MGCQ [modified GCQ], or if quarantine is lifted entirely. Voter registration in areas not currently under quarantine, or which are under MGCQ or GCQ, shall automatically be suspended upon the upgrading of their quarantine status to MECQ or ECQ," Jimenez added.
He said applications for registration may be submitted from Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO), pursuant to Resolution No. 10674.
"As the Comelec reopens voter registration, we are encouraging applicants to download the application forms from www.comelec.gov.ph," Jimenez said, as he advised the public "not to sign the downloaded form" and personally sign it in front of their respective election officer at the Comelec office.
"It is strongly recommended that the downloaded forms be filled out before going to the Comelec office for registration, but forms should be signed only in front of the Election Officer, at the Comelec office," he added
Jimenez said other anti-COVID precautions will also be implemented, such as limiting the number of people to be allowed inside the Comelec office to ensure compliance with physical distancing requirements, requiring applicants to wear face masks and face shields, and encouraging them to bring their own pens.
"Registrants will also be required to fill out a 'Coronavirus Self-Declaration Form' which discloses information relating to travel, contact with people with known COVID-19 infection, and symptoms being experienced," he explained.
"Persons exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 infection will not be allowed to enter the office, and will be advised to seek medical assistance," he added.
He said members of vulnerable sectors or people-at-risk, including senior citizens, persons with disability, and pregnant women will be provided an express lane.
In order to ensure a safe environment at all times, all Comelec offices nationwide will conduct daily disinfection and decontamination of their premises as well as the voter registration machine and peripherals, furniture and equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces, he added. (PIA NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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