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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Reminders for young and old applicants 

Reminders for young and old applicants 

Published Sep 1, 2020 04:23 pm

#ASKGOYO

Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal

I wrote about the basic information people normally ask about when they plan to register as a voter. You can read up on those FAQs here: https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/31/are-you-ready-to-make-a-change/

One thing which I want to remind those below the age of 18, but who will turn 18 on or before May 9, 2022.  Under current guidelines, Comelec will process the applications for these individuals beginning May 10, 2021. What that means is if you, your child, relative, or friend is still under 18 now, but will turn 18 on or before May 9, 2022, Comelec will process your application for registration only starting May 10, 2021. So, you should not go to the Comelec office now.  You can download the form and print it (just remember, use 8.5” x 13” paper), but don’t go to the Comelec office to register.  If you have questions, simply call or email them.

One thing which applicants for registration must also remember is that the IATF quarantine guidelines are still in effect. Seniors and minors are not allowed to go out of their homes under certain quarantine levels.

(PIXABAY / MANILA BULLETIN)

The question now is: What if a senior citizen who is not supposed to go out of his/her home, goes to the Comelec office, complete with a face mask and face shield? What should the Comelec officials do?

I think, considering the fact that the individual is already in the COMELEC office, he/she should be accommodated. Comelec is supposed to have an express lane anyway for senior citizens, so they can still process the application, but make sure it’s given priority, so the senior citizen will spend as little time in the Comelec office as possible.

I know this is not policy, and I’m speaking as a private citizen, but it’s something that I’m sure some Comelec field offices will encounter. What’s important is having a system and procedure in place to make sure the senior citizens are taken care of.

I hope Comelec implements an on-line appointment system to help ease potential congestion. It will allow a more efficient processing of applicants.

Stay safe. Stay Healthy.

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Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal
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