Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez asked those who lost relatives due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

to inform local election offices and prevent any possible anomalies during the upcoming national elections.
In a tweet on Friday, April 23, Jimenez apologized for making the announcement in the middle of people's grief but noted that it's the way of ensuring that the memory of their loved ones are not used in any election fraud.
"COVID19 has taken --and is still taking-- too much from us, so apologize for bringing this up. Sadly, politics touches all aspects of our lives, intruding even upon our grief. Please consider helping us make sure that the memory of our loved ones not sullies come elections," Jimenez wrote.
"If you have had someone pass recently, please inform the COMELEC office in the city or municipality where they were registered as voters," he added.
Jimenez said it will help ensure that their relatives' names "are properly taken off the lists of voters."
Republic Act 8189 or the Voter's Registration Act of 1996 states that registration records of those who have died, as certified by the Local Civil Registrar, shall be canceled.