#ASKGOYO Atty. Gregorio Larrazabal Starting this week, Comelec will implement a new schedule for voter registration.  Beginning today, the new schedule for accepting applicants for voter registration is as follows: Tuesday till Saturday, 8:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Note:  Monday is disinfection day. The new schedule is intended to accommodate those who might not be able to go to the local Comelec office on a weekday. I’m hoping this helps increase the number of applicants. There are three ways to register as a voter:

1. Go online, fill up the form, and set an appointment

This is the more popular option to do if you plan to register in Metro Manila, Cebu, and other highly populated area.  You click this link: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/cef1 There are four options to choose from:

1. Registration.
2. Transfer of Registration Record.
3. Reactivation of Registration Record.
4. Change of name due to Marriage or Court Order / Correction of Entries in the Voters' Registration Record.
5. Inclusion of records in the Book of Voters / Reinstatement of Name in the List of Voters.

You must fill up the fields in the page and at the bottom, you can choose to set an appointment in the Comelec office in the city/municipality where you intend to register.  There is another option – you may choose not to set an appointment, and just go to the Comelec office in the city/municipality where you’ll register as a voter. Whatever option you choose, you have to print out the forms in three copies. Make sure it’s printed back to back, and you’re using Philippine legal size bond paper (8.5” x 13”). Note:  Please do not sign or affix your signature on the forms.  Also do not put your fingerprint on the documents. You do that when you’re at the Comelec office.

2. Download the forms and bring to Comelec

The second option is to download the voter registration form online and print out the forms.  As in Option 1, make sure you print out three copies, back-to-back, and use Philippine legal-size bond paper. Application form: https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/VoterRegistration/ApplicationsForms/CEF1_Revised_fillable.pdf Supplementary Data Form: https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/VoterRegistration/ApplicationsForms/Annex_B_SupplementaryData.pdf Coronavirus Health Declaration Form: https://comelec.gov.ph/php-tpls-attachments/References/Announcements/COVIDDECLARATIONFORM.pdf

3. Line up in the Comelec office

For a majority of the areas all over the Philippines, this is the most common way of applying as a registered voter. You simply go to the Comelec office in the city/municipality where you intend to register.  If you don’t know where to go to, normally the Office of the Election Officer is located beside the city/municipal hall building.  Make sure your necessary documents (listed below) are complete. When there, there are voter registration forms you can get.  Fill them up, line up, and wait for your turn for your application to be processed. Please take note of the following: Comelec offices normally process 50 to 75 applications a day.  There are many instances that, by the time you arrive in the Comelec office, the allocations for the day are already filled up.  However, if you’re beyond the capacity of the day, they will usually schedule you on a future day where you can return for your application to be processed. In ALL options above, please make sure that you:

1. Wear a face mask.
2. Wear a face shield.
3. Bring alcohol or wipes.
4. Bring a black pen which you can use.
5. Follow all other government health and safety protocols.
6. Bring a government ID or proof of identification.
7. Bring proof of residence in the address where you stay in the city or municipality (normally a utility bill).
8. Maintain social/physical distancing while in the premises.
9. Wear decent clothing (they’ll take your picture).

Most importantly – Vote on May 9, 2022. You can email me questions at [email protected] or go to: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GOYOPINOY Twitter:     https://twitter.com/GoyYLarrazabal Stay safe.  Stay healthy.  Register as a voter.