Voter registration would become senseless without voting on May 9 - Comelec chair
By Dhel Nazario
Acting Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Socorro Inting said on Thursday, Feb. 24 that voter registration would be for nothing if the public would not vote in the 2022 national and local elections on May 9.

Inting made the statement on the official signing of the poll body's partnership with online news website Rappler. The agreement seeks to enhance voter engagement and fight disinformation in the coming polls.
Under it, Rappler commits its resources to help Comelec disseminate helpful information and engage the public both online and offline. Inting thanked Rappler as the agreement would make the commission's load lighter, according to her.
Rappler's awareness building efforts would include providing engaging content, shareable infographics, and educational videos. To enable a broader response on responding to common complaints on election day, such as missing names on voter's lists, Rappler will work with Comelec for the necessary information and action. An online show, podcast, workshops and seminars are also in the pipeline.
On the other hand, Commissioner Aimee Ferolino said that the poll body stood firm in its decision to partner with the online news website despite some who questioned the move.
"How else can we fight misinformation if we kept on believing other people who say that Rappler is spreading misinformation?" Ferolino said.
She explained hat there will be no way that Rappler will spread false information since the commission will provide them with factual ones.
"Kailangan ma-prove natin na (We have to prove that) Rappler can a be great help to the commission and to the country as a whole. With the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that we just did, if you just look at it, the task of the Comelec became lighter with the help of Rappler," she added.
Ferolino mentioned that the poll body hopes that through the partnership, they will get everyone in the country to participate in the coming elections.
Comelec first partnered with Rappler during the 2013 elections. As in previous partnerships, the poll body said that information necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Commission and to assist Rappler in its noble efforts will be provided.
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