BAGUIO CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is encouraging the youth and the residents who are eligible to vote but have not yet registered to register now until the September 30 deadline.
Comelec Baguio Election Officer lawyer John Paul Martin stressed the significant role of the voters in choosing the right leaders and exercising their right to suffrage.
“It takes courage and perseverance as well as an obligation for you to register, and at the same time to vote on election day. Kasi alam naman po natin na baka po mahaba ang pila during elections. But take note, minsan lang tayong nagpapa-eleksyon kada tatlong taon. Ito ay konti ang ambag lang po natin para ma-improve [ang] serbisyo ng gobyerno,” Martin said.
He said the first step in participating in the election is to register.
“Hindi po dapat tayo makuntento kung sa anong meron tayo ngayon. We deserve better, ‘no? At nagsisimula yan sa pagpaparehistro at pagboto tuwing eleksyon.”
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia has announced that there will be no extension for the Sept. 30, 2024 voter registration deadline. Martin is urging all eligible voters to avoid last-minute rush.
“Iwasan po natin ‘yung last day of registration kasi hindi po convenient ang magparehistro on the last day kasi baka lamang po mahaba na po ang pila pagdating po ng September 30,” Martin said.
Eligible voters may register at their mall voter registration site at SM City Baguio from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. The registration process includes filling out forms, presenting identification cards, and providing biometric data.
As of Sept 6, Martin said there are already 159,740 registered voters in Baguio City. They have processed more than 15,136 registrations since February 12, and are expecting more registrants until the end of the month.
First-time registrant Beverly said she is excited to participate in the 2025 mid-term national and local elections.
“I believe that ‘yung pinakaunang vote ko po is very important since first time ko po, of course, to gain more experience and contribute to our society by choosing the right leaders and officers for the well-being of the community,” Beverly said.
Meanwhile, Torres announced that the filing of certificates of candidacy is from October 1 to 8, 2024 only. For Baguio, it will be conducted at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center. PIA-CAR
