Senators thanked on Wednesday, September 29, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for heeding the calls to extend the period of voter's registration for the 2022 elections.
“We thank Chairman Abas and the Comelec for hearing the call not just of Congress, but of our people,” said Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said in a statement.
“Judging by the packed lines at our registration sites, talagang gusto po ng maraming Pilipino na makaboto (many Filipinos really want to vote), and they deserve the chance to do so,” he added.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, for her part, said that the Comelec's move "is a win for all Filipinos."
"This decision remains true to the spirit of democracy because the Senate, the Congress, and especially the Comelec, heeded the call of the people: To have our voices heard, and to allow us to genuinely partake in paving the path to our future. Especially in this pandemic that has taken so much from us, we must protect our right to participate in the crucible of our democracy-- the elections," she said in a separate statement.
Senator Grace Poe also praised the poll body "for exercising utmost understanding and flexibility when the exigencies of the pandemic demanded it."
"We hope the period of extension will be maximized to provide additional registration sites and to make available more personnel to ease the process of assisting our people," she proposed.
Following pressure from Congress, the Comelec announced on Wednesday that it will reopen the registration for voters after the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COCs) from the October 1 to 8.
The deadline was initially set on Friday, September 30, and will resume o
The Comelec said the registration will resume on October 11, Monday to Friday, except for the last day on October 30.
Senators urged the public to take advantage of the extended period of registration and vote in next year's election.
"2022 is a rare opportunity to show up for each others' health, livelihood and wellbeing. We must seize it," Hontiveros said.
The Senate and the House of Representative have passed a bill that would compel the Comelec to extend the registration period for another month.