By Charissa Luci-Atienza
The chairman of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms hailed Sunday the Commission on Election’s decision to pilot the Voter Registration Verification System (VRVS) in the upcoming midterm elections in May in an effort to put an end to "flying" voters.
Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) partylist Rep. Sherwin Tugna cited that the new system will introduce a modern fingerprint verification system that will replace the traditional printed voters’ lists to help protect the integrity of our elections.
Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) partylist Rep. Sherwin Tugna (Sherwin Tugna / FACEBOOK)
"We are hopeful that through the VRVS, our country will see an end to “flying” voters due to a more stringent voter verification process," he said in a statement.
He noted that there were cases before that even “deceased” voters were able to cast their votes.
"Mayroon din namang hindi nakaboto dahil may bumoto na gamit ang kanilang pangalan. Sa bagong sistema na ito, hindi na basta-basta makakapandaya dahil fingerprint na mismo ng rehistradong botante ang kinakailangan upang makaboto," Tugna said.
He asked the Comelec to ensure that voting time per individual will be maintained at 10 to 15 minutes.
"Shorter voting times are ideal so more voters are accommodated within the prescribed time of casting of votes. Kailangang matapos ang halalan on time upang hindi maantala ang pagbibilang at pagcacanvass ng boto sa bawat presinto," he said.
"A speedy and streamlined voting process is always a way forward in advancing honest and truthful elections in the country," he added.