Voter-applicants ask for more time to sign up
Commission on Elections 7 Director Atty. Rafael Olaño says extension would take up time
A DEMOCRATIC socialist youth group appealed to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 office for an extension on the registration dates for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), which will end today.
In a phone interview, Akbayan Youth Regional organizer Chatch Calderon told reporters that the extension, if granted, will help those who are in school catch up with the registration.
Limited
He, however, clarified that the group understands that their appeal may not be granted because aside from a limited number of personnel, Comelec 7 has to undergo several procedures to prepare for the barangay and SK elections on Oct. 31.
For his part, Comelec 7 Direc- tor Atty. Rafael Olaño said that although the group has good intentions, an extension would take up their limited time.
“We’re going to have an election registration board for screening and approval, furnish a finalized list of qualified voters and of course, the filing of candidacy on Oct. 3 to 5,” he said, in a separate interview.
The group also asked Olaño for his thoughts on Republic Act 10742, or the SK Reform Law which recognizes the role of the youth in nation-building.
Calderon said the law’s provisions on anti-dynasty, mandatory workshops and financial independence would mean a better avenue in government through SK.
“We agreed with him (Atty. Olaño) that the SK is the training ground for the youth who aspire to become future lead- ers because there are trainings they are required to attend unlike before. Also, the provisions of the law prohibits anyone to meddle with the SK funds which is good,” he said.