‘Contingencies in place’: Comelec working to COVID-proof the elections

Individuals queue for Voter registration outside the COMELEC office in Quezon City. Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez announced that the Commission approved the resumption of voter registration from 8am to 5pm in areas under MECQ (September 6, 2021).

The STAR / Boy Santos, file

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections said that it is working to ensure that the upcoming national and local elections in May will be “COVID-proof” by ensuring that they have several contingency plans in case issues come up.

The poll body has even prepared a specific area to allow voters with possible virus symptoms to cast their ballots.

“Hindi natin puwedeng i-deny ‘yung karapatan nilang bumoto kasi on election day, wala naman makakapagsabi kung may COVID yun kaya may runny nose, may sore throat or even may fever so meron kaming safeguards,” Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay said during Comelec’s briefing on Thursday. 

(We can’t deny their right to vote because on election day, no one can tell if COVID is the reason behind someone having a runny nose, a sore throat, or even a fever so we have safeguards.)

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/04/28/2177429/contingencies-place-comelec-working-covid-proof-elections