Comelec likely to extend voter registration

"After consultation with Comelec officials, and in consideration of the public clamor, it is likely that an extension of the period of voter registration will be granted,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

Citing an official from the commission, Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate committee on electoral reforms, also said that the September 30 deadline will be extended until the end of October.

“(Director) Teopisto Elnas Jr. just called me to inform us that the en banc commissioners will pass a resolution tomorrow extending the registration to October 31,” Marcos said.

Previously, the Comelec said it was open to extending voter registration for a week. It earlier rejected several calls for an extension, saying the delay would affect the preparations for the upcoming 2022 national elections.

The House of Representatives and the Senate, meanwhile, have filed measures urging the agency to extend voter registration until October 31.