Two youth groups on Wednesday, Sept. 29, welcomed the decision of the Commission on Elections to extend voter registration until Oct. 31.
The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) said the extension signifies a development that allows more Filipinos, of any social class, to exercise their right to suffrage.
"The election is where we put our hopes on. As populistic as it may seem, the elections are where we put our vengeance -- to avenge our loss, for a halted life to a failed pandemic response, to clear the bloodshed, and to regain and restore our freedom and the sophistication of our democracy," CEGP said.
"Extending the voter's registration means stronger machinery and force that will topple down Dutertismo. Amid the pandemic, where movements are faltered, and health and safety are more prioritized than going out to register -- it is only just that the extension ensued," it added.
The group called on the Comelec to ensure a safe, conducive, and systematic voter registration and urged the poll body to add more satellite voter registration, staff, and implement stricter health protocols.
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) likewise hailed the extension of voter registration.
"Sinusuportahan ng Unyon ang desisyon na ito sa panahon na lalong nahihirapan ang masang Pilipino sa proseso ng pagpaparehistro (The Union supports this decision at a time when the Filipino masses are having difficulty in the registration process)," NUSP said.
"Ito ay isang tagumpay na matagal nang ipinaglalaban ng Unyon kasama ang mga kolektibong panawagan ng maraming grupo at indibidwal (This is a victory that the Union has long fought for with the collective call of many groups and individuals)."
Comelec on Wednesday announced that it is extending voter registration from Oct. 11 to 31 in response to public clamor, as queues build up in registration centers due to office closures in areas under lockdown the past months.
The poll body also approved the extension of the registration for overseas voters from Oct. 1 to 14.