The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has directed all local government units (LGUs) to open their day care centers on May 9.

In Resolution No. 10780, the poll body said this is to ensure women's participation in the elections.
"The Commission En Banc resolves to require all local government units, specifically provincial governments, city and municipal governments, and barangays, thru the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to open their Day Care Centers," read the resolution.
"One of the barriers to women's political participation and voting is the care for their children during Election Day. Most mothers have difficulty finding somebody to take care of their children while they cast their votes," it further read.
The Comelec said the day care centers shall be opened on Election Day, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It added that all day care center teachers/custodians shall strictly observe all the minimum public health standards to ensure their safety and that of the children.
These include having well-ventilated day care centers, ensuring cleanliness and sanitation of frequently used/touched surfaces, checking of temperature of the children upon their entry into the center, and wearing of face masks at all times.
The poll body said the people inside the center must not exceed the maximum number allowed by its operational capacity.
There are more than 33 million registered female voters in the May 9 polls.