A youth group on Monday, Aug. 2, urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend voters' registration period to allow those severely affected by the pandemic to register "at a more convenient and safe time."
In a statement, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) said there are still more young voters wanting to register but have not done so due to the pandemic.
"As the COVID-19 Delta variant endangers aspiring voters' lives at risk should they try to register at this crucial time, the CEGP shall stand with the future voters still willing to get registered during the pandemic at a safer period, for every Filipino citizen should still be able to vote regardless of their economic standing," the group said.
"Not extending the voter registration period would put thousands, if not millions, of future voters unable to exercise the right to suffrage just because they prioritized health and safety over registering within an inconvenient, constrained time," it added.
CEGP underscored that voters' registration extension is a way for Comelec to "put the health of their voters into consideration."
The Comelec will suspend voters' registration in areas placed under enhanced community quarantine.
Registration is until Sept. 30.