Extension of registration deadline for first-time voters sought

MANILA, Philippines - The deadline for registration of first-time voters for next year's elections should be moved from October to December, the youth sector's representative in the House of Representatives said Monday. Kabataan party-list Rep. Raymond Palatino said he would file a resolution that would ask the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to extend the registration deadline to allow the youth to register for the 2010 national elections. "Such is the influence of the youth that we can set the tone and agenda for 2010, and with such comes the challenge and responsibility for us to actively assume our rightful role in society as catalysts for change," Palatino said in a press conference. Palatino also urged Comelec to use the time to educate young voters, saying not all first-time voters are aware that they have to register in order to vote. The lawmaker suggested that the Comelec tap prominent personalities such as Filipino boxing champ Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao to encourage the youth to register and vote in the upcoming polls. "So hindi na lang siya magiging 'Pambansang Kamao,' kung di 'Pambansang Hinlalaki' pa," Palatino said in jest. Palatino, one of the new party-list representatives sworn in two weeks ago in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling, also said political personalities who appear in television commercials as early as now should urge the youth to register. College administrators should also do their part by reminding students of their voting duties during the upcoming enrollment period, he also said. Over the weekend, Kabataan party-list launched a voters' registration and education campaign called “We are Change," which aims to reach 11 million first-time voters for 2010. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV