"An extra hour is not enough to decide our future."
Students from the De La Salle University (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) denounced Commission on Elections' (Comelec) decision to reject voter registration extension.
On Wednesday, Aug. 18, Comelec extended voters hours on Saturdays and holidays.
However, in a joint statement, 1Sambayan Lasalyano and Ateneans for 1Sambayan said Comelec's decision to extend voter registration hours "underestimates our context in the COVID-19 pandemic" due to curfews, lack of public transportation, and health concerns.
"Voting is an integral part of the democratic process, serving as an avenue of the people's will. To deprive millions of potential voters the chance of deciding their country's future borders on voter suppression," the group said.
"As part of the youth sector, we call upon Comelec to extend voter registration for the sake of respecting people's will. We urge you to consider the restrictions that the pandemic has brought upon millions of Filipinos and to make voting more accessible to everyone. You are an independent commission, mandated by the constitution, to uphold the people's will," it added.
The group also called on fellow students to contact their local representatives or to send their sentiments to Comelec through their social media pages, local landlines, and emails "to make their voice heard."
"The youth must have a zeal for service to truly become persons for others. 1Samabayan Lasalyano and Ateneans for 1Sambayan call for more time and consideration for our fellow during this pivotal time in our history."