By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, Dec. 16 (PNA) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) lauded the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday to dismiss the petition against the poll body’s “No Bio, No Boto” policy.
Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said they are happy with the ruling, noting that the High Court considered their position in implementing provisions of Republic Act No. 10367 or the biometrics law.
“We are, of course, very pleased that the SC saw it our way. This will enable us to proceed with the finalization of the list of voters and project of precincts,” he said in a text message.
On Wednesday, the High Tribunal junked the petition of the Kabataan Party-list which sought to declare the poll body’s “No Bio, No Boto” policy as unconstitutional.
The SC ruling has lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued against the Comelec in deactivating the registration of over two million voters without biometrics.
Likewise, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon welcomed the good news since the hurdle in their preparations for the May 2016 elections has been removed.
“It’s very good news for the Comelec because we don’t have to revise the Project of Precincts. It’s very hard to put back names of voters (without biometrics),” she said in an interview.
The poll body official noted that those without biometrics may reactivate their registration after the May 2016 polls.
“Those who have not validated their records using their biometrics, they can do so after the May elections so that they can still vote in the barangay elections,” said Guanzon.
A total of 2.5 million voters will not be allowed to participate in next year’s polls for not having biometrics. (PNA)