THERE will be more polling precincts for the May 9 presidential elections with the Commission on Elections eyeing around 105,000 poll precincts.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez disclosed this as he explained the poll body’s preparations for the conduct of the national and local elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are looking at 105,000 precincts. That is up from only around 80,000 nung nakaraang halalan from the last elections in 2019,” he said in a virtual news forum.

Jimenez said the Comelec prefers to set up poll precincts in public schools but not all classrooms will be used due to the social distancing protocol.

The poll body spokesman also disclosed that voters will still be required to wear face shields based on their latest guidelines.

“Hindi kayo papayagan bumoto nang hindi kayo naka-face mask and unfortunately nang hindi kayo naka-face shield. Alam ko na maraming nagrereklamo na may face shield pa rin kami pero hindi pa po tinatanggal ‘yung face shield requirement,” he said.

Jimenez said they are consulting the Department of Health in connection with the face shield policy for the May 9 polls, but at present, it is still one of the requirements.

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