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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mark Villar bats for automated, online system for voter registration 

Mark Villar bats for automated, online system for voter registration 

Published Jun 3, 2023 09:55 am
Senator Mark Villar

Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Bill (SB) No.2254 that seeks to enable the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to establish an automated and online system for voter registration. Villar explained that the right to suffrage or the right to vote, which is enshrined in our Constitution, is an essential attribute of a democratic country like the Philippines. It enables the people to participate in the process of government in order to assure that its powers are derived from the consent of the governed, he noted. “Before one can exercise one’s right to vote, one must first be registered to the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices. Yet, registration appears to be a time-consuming and exhausting process, and could be the main reason why many qualified citizens are deterred from registering, rendering them unable to participate during the elections,” the lawmaker from Las Piñas said. To encourage citizens to register, SB (SB) No. 2254 seeks to enable Comelec as far as practicable, to adopt, design, and use an automated and online system for voter registration, he explained. Villar stressed that this would cover the electronic and online filing and processing of the application for registration, transfer of registration, reactivation, correction of voter registration entries, and such other requests and processes relative to the voter’s registration and records. According to the senator, these would result in a more efficient, convenient, and accessible registration process, which will undoubtedly encourage more qualified citizens to participate in the electoral process. Under the bill, Comelec shall design, devise, adopt, or otherwise use a secure Internet Website or online platform where such applications may be filed by voters and/or applicants. Security measures shall be put in place to protect and guarantee the completeness, accuracy, and integrity of voter registration forms, applications, and information submitted and filed through such Internet Website or online platform. Within 10 years from the effectiveness of this Act, the Comelec shall implement a program wherein persons registered under the existing National ID Program shall be automatically registered as voters of the place of their declared residence upon reaching the allowable voting age. The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be included in the budget of the Comelec in the annual General Appropriations Act. (GAA or national budget).







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Sen. Mark Villar
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