Media, foreign observers urged to get Comelec accreditation

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reminded media practitioners and foreign observers who wish to cover and observe the conduct of the first automated elections in the Philippines to apply for accreditation with the poll body. "It is the policy of the Comelec to ensure accurate reporting about the conduct and results of the 2010 automated national and local elections by providing maximum access to all stages of the electoral process," said Comelec Resolution 8764, which outlines the guidelines covering media accreditation. The poll body said that parties interested in acquiring media accreditation will be required to submit a duly accomplished accreditation application form, two recent 2x2 colored photos, and an endorsement letter from the media outfit employing the applicant. Foreign journalists will be required to submit photocopies of their International Press Center (IPC) card, while foreign observers must give an endorsement from the ambassador or consul of their home country. The applications for foreign observers and national and foreign media must be personally filed with the Comelec’s Education and Information Department on or before April 15, 2010. On the other hand, local media must submit their forms with the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor. The application forms may be downloaded from the official Comelec website, the poll body's official voter education website, and the Comelec's official community site. —Kimberly Jane Tan, GMANews.TV