By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, July 18 (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is studying early voting to be provided to special cases in connection with the 2016 national and local elections.
According to Comelec Chairman Jose Andres Bautista they are considering to allow early voting to people such as the members of the media among others.
“Pinagaaralan natin yan. Pati ‘yung media e gusto ng early voting…’yun din mga sundalo, teachers. Ako naman ok sa akin provided that ‘yung credibility of elections masigurado natin na hindi magkakaroon ng kalokohan in terms of how to preserve the vote and how to count the vote,” he said.
The poll body chief added, “Meron din mga pari na gusto magkaroon ng early voting…baka ako mismo kasi iniisip ko baka during Election Day baka dapat wala ako sa Metro Manila…dapat ako nasa probinsya…baka kailangan ko ng early voting so pinag aaralan natin lahat ‘yan.”
Meanwhile, Bautista choose to fall in line to validate his registration at the Comelec satellite registration held at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City Saturday afternoon.“Dapat pila lahat. Walang VIP pare-pareho tayo dito,” he said in an interview while queuing.
The Comelec chief is from New Manila, Quezon City under District 4. Bautista finished the process roughly an hour.
“I hope I wasn’t given any special treatment because I don’t want any. Because I really want to know how it feels to be voter. We are focused on enhancing the voter’s experience. Padaliin natin ang proseso so para maengganyo ang ating mga voters na bumoto sa darating na halalan,” he said.
Bautista added,” Ako okay na yun (one hour na pumila). Medyo ‘yung air-condition kailangan lakasan.”
With this, he encouraged the public or those who do not have biometric to have their biometrics taken in participating malls and local Comelec offices nationwide.
“We have until October 31 para magpavalidate ng kanilang biometric…maganda naman ang ating pakikipag ugnayn sa ibat ibang mall sa buong bansa Ngayong weekend na ito there are 55 malls participating in this no bio no boto campaign. Don’t wait for the last minute,” he said.
He added, “May choice kayo either sa mall or sa election office ng Comelec. Kapag weekday pwede magparegister or validate sa election office.” (PNA)