By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A senator yesterday voiced his concern over a possible low turnout of voters in the upcoming national elections in 2022 due to COVID-19.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri cited his own commissioned survey that showed 35 percent of the respondents said they are willing to go to the polling places and vote, 46 percent said they will not vote while 19 percent are undecided.

The respondents were asked if they will participate in the election if the COVID-19 pandemic will prevail until election day.

The senator said the numbers are alarming and he was surprised because the majority of the electorate would not be reflected and as we believe that the voice of the people is the voice of God.

As to his reelection bid for senator, Zubiri said he will stay as an independent candidate.

Meanwhile, Zubiri, who is the author of the country’s Vaccination Law, said herd immunity must be reached before the end of this year per target of the national government.

In the whole country, he said, only 15 percent or 12 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of August 12./DGB, WDJ