Philippine News
Marcos warns against barring 4-M voters
MANILA — Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of the possible problems that may arise should the commission decide to bar voters without biometrics data from voting.
The Comelec was warned about the public rage that may follow if millions of voters will not be allowed to vote.
“How will the Comelec be able to convince the people that this is right? I hope the people will not get mad. But I’m afraid they surely will,” Marcos said in a statement.
He added that Filipinos, who gives high regard for their right to vote may not take the move positively.
“We all know how passionate the Filipinos are about the elections. I wouldn’t be surprised if those who would be disqualified from voting will give the Comelec nightmares, such as filing cases in courts or social actions,” Marcos said.
The best way, according to Marcos is to appeal to the public and convince them to have their biometrics taken.
It will include a voter’s photograph, fingerprint and signature.
It is mandated by the Mandatory Biometrics Registration Act of 2013 as a requisite for voting.
“I think local officials can help a lot because their constituents look up to them. Kapag sinabi nila sa kanilang nasasakupan na magpa-biometrics kayo, palagay ko susunod sila,” he said.