MORE lawmakers have appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the September 30, 2021 deadline of voters’ registration as the House of Representatives is scheduled to approve this week on third and final reading a proposed law seeking to extend the voters’ registration.

Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon underscored the importance of giving opportunity to more Filipinos to cast their votes for 2022 presidential polls following the strict lockdowns imposed in various parts of the country.

“I am appealing to the kind hearts of our Comelec officials to extend the deadline for registration of voters to ensure that more Filipinos can exercise their right to suffrage. The series of lockdowns have affected their intention to register,” Lagon a friend and ally of the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) led by House Majority Leader and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin G. Romualdez as president, said.

Lagon also urged the youth, first-time and reactivated voters to use the remaining time “to register and effectively reform the country’s political and economic system.”

“Let us make our votes count. This is an effective way to introduce reforms in the country. It is within the hands of Filipino voters to help the living condition of our people,” Lagon, said.

Through viva voce voting, the legislative chamber approved on second reading Friday the amended version of House Bill (HB) No. 10261 fixing the last day of registration for voters in the 2022 national and local elections.

Under the bill filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco—along with Romualdez and Minority Leader Joseph Stephen Paduano—the last day of registration for next year’s polls “shall be 30 days after the effectivity” of the proposed measure.

Velasco said one important step the Comelec can take to prevent voter disenfranchisement is to extend the voting registration period, which ends on September 30 this year.

The original version of HB 10261 sought to extend the voter registration deadline until October 31, 2021.

COMELEC TO ISSUE DECISION ON SEPTEMBER 29

The Commission on Elections en banc is expected to release its decision on calls to extend the voter registration period on Sept. 29.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the Comelec’s management committee is set to meet to discuss the issue.

Jimenez added that Comelec has surpassed its target of four million new registrants, which brings the number of new voters to five million.

Last Thursday, the Comelec said it is considering a one-week extension of the voter registration.

Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said that instead of a one-month extension, which the Congress is pushing, they are proposing to use a one-week extension after the filing of certificates of candidacy from Oct. 1 to 8.

Voter registration is set to end on Sept. 30, despite appeals by both chambers of Congress to extend the voter registration by one month. Ryan Ponce Pacpaco and Lee Ann P. Ducusin