The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is pilot testing the online reception of applications for the issuance of voter's certification.
In Resolution No. 10678, the Comelec en banc said the pilot testing of the online reception of applications for issuance of voter's certification shall be conducted at the National Central File Division (NCFD) of the Comelec- Election Records and Statistics Department in Intramuros, Manila; Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) in cities, municipalities, and districts that have access to the internet; and at the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV).
"The aforesaid offices shall conduct the initial stage of the online reception of applications for the issuance of voters' certification from the effectivity of this resolution until December 31, 2020," read the resolution promulgated on September 16.
"The pilot testing shall only be implemented in areas where general community quarantine (GCO), modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), and no quarantine classification exist," it further read.
Based on the resolution which stipulated the guidelines for the pilot testing, online applications for voter's certification shall be accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the NCFD, OEOs with internet access, and the OFOV.
To apply, access the online link posted in the Commission website, Facebook/Messenger, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, WhatsApp, WeChat/QQ, Linkedin, and in the bulletin boards through internet connection using desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smart phones; fill-out completely the necessary and required information in the mandatory fields of the application form; review and confirm the encoded information in the online application form; click the "submit" button; wait for the email of the NCFD/EO/OFOV for other personal information requirement on the verification of voter record and schedule of release of voter certification; and then save, print, or take a screenshot/photo of the email and have it ready to be shown when claiming the voter's certification.
Claimants must present the proof of payment for the voter's certification fees at the NCFD, OFOV, or OEO.
The en banc on July 15 resolved to approve the study on the feasibility and legality of online filing of request for the issuance and release of voter's certification as an additional mechanism to reduce human physical interactions, transaction time, and the further spread of COVID 19.
The Comelec said the resolution shall take effect immediately afters its publication in two newspapers.