Satellite voters’ registration set for special sectors –Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Dumaguete City announced yesterday that the satellite registration of voters, especially those with special needs, will be held at a mall and certain barangays starting Friday, August 1.

In an interview, city election officer Ian Macaraya told the Philippine News Agency that the satellite registration would be held at the Robinsons Place shopping mall, as well as in 10 of the 30 barangays and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facilities.

“We hope to reach as many people to register for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, and the satellite registration will make it easier for them to do this,” Macaraya said.

He said priority would be given to persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant mothers.

Both the male and female dormitories of the BJMP detention and rehabilitation centers will also be visited by the Comelec staff for on-site registration, he added.

The barangays with a satellite registration are Daro, Batinguel, Piapi, Cadawinonan, Bantayan, Motong, Bajumpandan, Cantil-e, Banilad, and Balugo.

Registration will also be held at the City Comelec office.

Macaraya said he hopes for an increase in the number of registrants, especially those aged 14 to 17, who can now vote for their SK candidates.

He reiterated that because of a tight schedule, the Comelec will not accept those who want to transfer their registration at this time.

The registration period includes Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This comes as the poll body gears up for the August 1 to 10 nationwide registration of voters for the barangay and SK elections. (PNA)