We, the academe, civil society organizations, youth groups, and sectoral leaders, call on the national government and election stakeholders to extend the voter registration deadline and ramp up voter registration initiatives to ensure that all eligible Filipino voters will be able to participate in the upcoming 2022 elections.
Citing the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority presented by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), a projected 73.3 million Filipinos are eligible to vote by 2022, with the youth accounting for more than 25 million. As of now, there are only 60 million who are registered to vote. This means, more than 13.3 million[1] Filipinos are not yet registered.
Given the multiple hard lockdowns in various parts of the country and the closure of satellite voter registration sites due to the Delta variant of the coronavirus pandemic, concluding voter’s registration too early may risk disenfranchising the 13.3 million unregistered potential voters. Based on previous elections, this number is enough to change the outcome of the upcoming 2022 national and local elections.
In a time where democratic spaces are being challenged, now more than ever, it is important to value and ensure that we have exhausted all means to provide every eligible Filipino voter a chance for their voice to be heard.
Nevertheless, we welcome the efforts of COMELEC that allow more people to register before the September 30 deadline that includes an online voter reactivation status for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens, and an extension of voter registration hours.
Alongside these initiatives, we further call for specific measures such as increasing the number of satellite voter registration sites by partnering with local universities and colleges; exploring ways to accommodate first-time voters especially non-working and out-of-school youth; and adopting a multi-stakeholder approach in developing and implementing voter registration campaigns.
Sustainability and resiliency are two complementing concepts that strengthen the foundation of healthier and more inclusive societies. As the 2022 Philippine national elections draw near, we should call on the government and all other electoral stakeholders to infuse resilience into sustainability in our democratic processes for them to work.
The concepts of resiliency and sustainability, when done in practice, will result in the Filipino people not only being able to feel that they are encouraged to politically participate but also are empowered to make informed choices for our country.
[1] Source: Proposed Senate Resolution Urging the COMELEC to Extend the Deadline for Voter Registration from September 30, 2021 to October 31, 2021 to Prevent Voter Disenfranchisement Brought About by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Signatories:
Ateneo School of Government (ASOG)
La Salle Institute of Governance (LSIG)
National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL)
Caucus of Development NGO Networks Inc. (CODE-NGO)
Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services Inc. (IDEALS)
Action Bridges Aspiration Trainings Inc. - Maluso Branch
Active Moro Alliance For Development
Active Vista Center, Inc.
Active Young Saver Society
Adlawan SK Youth
Advocates and Leaders for Action and Awareness (ADLAAW)
AIESEC in the Philippines
Aktibong Kabataan ng Dampalit (AKDA)
Al-barka Youth Serving Association
Al-Fauj Al-Imanie Philippines
Alamin Abdullah MALIGA
Aljalis Assalih Inc. (The Good Companion) -Pagadian City Chapter
Alliance of Magnanimous Youth Leaders Inc. (AMYL) - Cotabato City
Alliance of Magnanimous Youth Leaders, Inc. (AMYL) - Datu Anggal Midtimbang
Alliance Youth Philippines
Alpha Kappa Rho International Humanitarian Service Fraternity and Sorority Inc. - Maimbung Chapter
Alpha Phi Omega Lambda Nu Chapter
Alyansa ng Kabataang Mindanao para sa Kapayapaan (AKMK)
Alyansa Pasig Youth Group
Anak ng Tribu Higaunen-Talaandig Association
Asbury College, Inc.
Association of Foundations, Inc. (AF)
Asturias Youth Organization
Ateneo Center for Culture and the Arts (ACCA)
Ateneo Center for Leadership and Governance (ACLG)
Ateneo Peace Institute (API)
Awladul Islam Islamic Propagation
Ayala Young Leaders Alumni Association Inc. (AYLAA)
Bacolod Youth Coalition for Democracy
Bangsakultoura
Bangsamoro Young Leaders Program - Leadership Communities
Barangay X SK Council - Roxas City
Basilan Youth Development initiative movement
Batangas State University Alangilan Campus - Supreme Student Council
Benta Uno
Bicol University College of Engineering - College Student Council - Albay
Bicol University College of Engineering - College Student Council - Guinobatan
Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP)
Bukluran ng mga Katutubo para sa Pangangalaga ng Kalikasan sa Pilipinas
C's-SPARK
Capiz Eco - Youth Volunteers
CapSU - Main Campus
CCC Student Parliament
Cebu Coalition of Student Councils
Cebuano Youth Ambassadors, Inc.
Center for Community Extension Services (CCES) Ateneo de Zamboanga
Central Mindanao University
Central Visayas Network of NGOs and POs (CENVISNET)
Christian Family Movement
Coalition of Moro Youth Movement
Colegio San Agustin - Bacolod Student Government
College of Education Students' Society
Collegiate of Engineering Council
Communicators' Society LPU-Laguna
CTE League of Leaders
Dagook Sindaw Kalombayan
Democracy Watch Philippines
Democratic Alliance Student for Integrated Governance
Department of Education (DepEd) Bulacan
Division of Bulacan Federation of Supreme Student Government and Pinas Forward Bulacan
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - South La Union Campus CSBO (DMMMSU-SLUC CSBO)
Eastern Visayas Network of NGOs and POs (EVNET)
EdukasyonPH
El Fuente PH
Fatima Vigan Multi Purpose Cooperative
Federation of Trans-Parochial Charismatic Communities (FTCC)
FEU Public Policy Center
Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA)
Future Leader of the Philippines Capsu Dumarao Chapter
Future Leaders of the Philippines CapSU Dayao Chapter
Gawad Laguna Inc.
Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardee - Aklan
Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees - Iloilo
GMA Cavite Youth Organization
Good Governance Initiative
GoodGovPH
Government Watch (G-Watch)
Green Eco Warrior
H.O.S.T Organization
Hagonoy Young Leaders Program (HYLeaP)
Hijab for a Cause
Humanities and Social Sciences Council - Liceo de La Salle
Humans Helping Humans Initiative
I Connect Youth Network
InclusiviTeach
Innovations for Poverty Action
Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture (ISACC)
International Association of Youth and Student for Peace
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls
Iranun Youth Initiative
IYouDahan
Juan Youth Network
Junior Philippine Pharmacists Association - AUF
Junior Philippine Society For Public Administration - Central Visayas Chapter
Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration - NCR Chapter
Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration (JPSA) - Western Visayas
Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration Central Luzon Chapter
Junior Philippine Society for Public Administration North Luzon Chapter
Junior Philippine Society of Public Administration - Southern Tagalog
Kabataan Moro - Mamasapano
Kabataan sa Kartilya ng Katipunan
Kabataang Likha ni Pedro
Kabataang Lingkod Bayan ng Pilipinas
Kabataang San Joseño Movement
Kabataang Tambuli ng Pasig
Kajatian Active Youth Organization
Kalibo Youth Development Office
Kapisanan ng mga Guro sa Araling Panlipunan Sangay ng Lungsod ng Butuan Inc
Kapisanan ng mga Mag-aaral ng Araling Panlipunan (KMAP)
Katipunan Ng Kabataan - Barangay San Juan
Katipunan ng Kabataan - San Francisco
Kilos Ko Youth - Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat
Kilos Ko Youth - Imus
Kusug Batah Sug Inc.
Lakas Kabataan Sulu Youth Power Inc.
League of Young Catalyst
LENTE Philippines
LGU Bulakan
LGU Claveria
LGU Orani
Liberal Youth
Liguasan Marsh Youth Association for Peace and Development
Local Youth Development Council - Aglipay
Local Youth Development Council - Malolos City
Local Youth Development Office - Jordan
Local Youth Development Office - Moncada
Lumba Bayabao Youth Leaders (LBYL)
Lumpukan Nu Kangudan Sa Libutan Lalawag A Kalilintad (LKLLK)
Lung-Aw Claveria
Lupon ng mga Indibidwal na Nangangalaga ng Kalikasan
Madrasatu Mentok Al-Islamiyyah
Maki-BaKa (Bantay Kalikasan) Movement
Maluso Ecowarrior
Management Association of the Philippines (MAP)
Manindigan Na!
Mindanao Interfaith Youth Circle
Mindanao State University (MSU) - Maguindanao Supreme Student Council
Montay Advocates of Peace and Progress for Youth Association
Moriatao O Ranaw
Moro Active Group of Apas Peace and Solidarity (MAGPAS)
Movement to Victory Group
Multiple District 301 Leo Philippines
Muslim Christian Youth Alliance for Progress
Muslim Students' Union Philippines Inc.
Muslim Youth Brotherhood
MYDev Cotabato Youth Network (MCYN)
MYPEACE: Boses ng Kabataan
Nadil Afiyaat
National Society of Parliamentarians Inc. (NSP)
National Youth Commission
North Luzon Cinema Guild, Inc.
Now You Know (NYK)
Olympus Society of Davao Inc.
One Quest Langkiwa
One Society bringing Transformation through Effective Programs
Online SDG Youth Action Forum
Open Arms Organization
Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) - Estancia
Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) - Iriga
Pagsirang Inc.
Pangasinan State University
Pangutaran Youth Leader's League
Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan - Aurora Province
Parish Youth Apostolate
Parish Youth Ministry and YOUACTIVE
PH-LEAD - Aurora Chapter
PH-LEAD - Baguio Benguet Chapter
PH-LEAD - Bataan Chapter
PH-LEAD - Bulacan Chapter
PH-LEAD - Cebu Chapter
PH-LEAD - Central Palawan Chapter
PH-LEAD - Marinduque Chapter
PH-LEAD - Northern Palawan Chapter
PH-LEAD - Nueva Ecija Chapter
PH-LEAD - Occidental Mindoro Chapter
PH-LEAD - Oriental Mindoro Chapter
PH-LEAD - Pampanga Chapter
PH-LEAD - Romblon Chapter
PH-LEAD - Sultan Kudarat Chapter
PH-LEAD - Tarlac Chapter
PH-LEAD - Zambales Chapter
PH-LEAD - Zamboanga Chapter
Philippine Business for Education (PBEd)
Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)
Philippine Institute of Civil Engineer - Bicol University Student Chapter (PICE-BUSC)
Philippine Leadership Empowerment Alliance for Development, Inc (PH-LEAD, Inc)
Philippine Muslim Student Association - MSU Chapter
Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers - Bicol University Student Unit
Political Science Parliament
Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)
Project Namnama
Project Watch of San Pedro National High School
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) - LGU Roxas City
ProYOUTHactive PH
Public Administration League Student (PALS)
Public Administration Society - Echague
Public Administration Society - Ilagan
Puerto Youth Apostolate
PUP JPIA Manila
Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.
Ready, Set, Vote! - Batangas City
Ready, Set, Vote! - Ibaan
Ready, Set, Vote! - Lipa
Ready, Set, Vote! - San Pascual
REPORMA-ACS
Regional Federation of Supreme Student Government - BARMM
Responsible Young Leaders Organization
RiceUp Farmers Incorporated
RIGHTS
Rizal Estanzuela Youth Organization
Rotaract Club of Cebu Fuente - University of San Carlos Chapter
Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu Leaders' Council
Sagot Kita Bayan
Saguisag A Ranaw
Salbo Pagating Mamasapano Shariff Aguak
Samahan ng Kabataang Boluntaryo ng Pilipinas (SKBP National Level)
Samahan ng Kabataang Boluntaryo ng Pilipinas (SKBP-CALABARZON)
San Julian Pride Advocacy Group Inc.
San Pedro National High School - Project W. A. T. C. H.
San Roque Parish Youth Ministry
San Vicente: Project Bayanihan
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Aguilar
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Baggao
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Barangobong
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Culasi
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Dayo-an
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Greater Lagro
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Labangal
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Mandamo
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Masikap
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Mate
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Milibili
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Raya Saduc
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay San Francisco
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Tanque
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barangay Tinawagan
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Barotac Viejo
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Butuan
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Kidapawan
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Laurel
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Pozorrubio
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) - Villaba
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation - Paranaque City
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation - Poro, Cebu
Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO)
Siklab Pilipinas
Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan
SKIA Student Body Organization (SBO)
SKMF - Jordan
SMART SOCIETY
Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement (SACSI)
Social Development Office (SDO) Ateneo de Zamboanga
Society of Youth Organization - San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan Chapter
SOHEILA
Sokah Bulan Basketball Associations
SoulPH
SPE-Batangas State University
SSC - Zamboanga City
SSC Manila College Student Council
St. Louis University (Baguio)
Sts. Peter & Paul Vicariate Youth Ministry
Student Alliance for a Christian and Real Education under Democracy
Student Parliament
Suara Kalilintad Association Inc.
Sulu Youth Peace Volunteers
Super Lumba
Support Values Group
Supreme Student Council Dumarao
Supreme Student Council Pontevedra
Supreme Student Council Sigma
Supreme Student Government - Lambunao National High School
Supreme Student Government - MSU
Supreme Student Government - San Lorenzo Ruiz Senior High School
Supreme Student Government - Sinagtala
Supreme Student Government-Mandaue City
Suwala Kamakanakan Peer Advocates
Tabang Sikad
Tagum SDG Youth Action Force
Tapocan Youth for Innovations
Tatak Botante
Tau - Social Peace Advocate of Real Tawi-Tawians Active Network
Taumbayan Project
TC Sparks Philippines Organisation, Inc.
Team Albay Youth Organizations (TAYO) Inc.
Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL)
Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO)
The Current — Official Student Media of City of Malabon University
The League of Political Science
The Student Power Party
The Outstanding Women in The Nation's Service (TOWNS) Foundation
Tipo-Tipo Tongtambisan Youth Organization
Trece Martires City College, Guild of English Majors
TUNAY na Pagbabago at Pamamahala
UCC Political Science Department
Ugop Ko Masa
Ugyon Youth Visionaries
Ukhuwwatu Al-Muslimah Linashri Ad-Da'wah wa Al-Islam (UMLADI)
Union of Progressive Students
United Bangsamoro Youth Organization
United Group of Active Youth Association
United Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization
United Voices for Peace Network (UVPN)
United Youth Action Group Datu Paglas
United Youth Development Association
United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD coastal)
University of Makati - College of Business and Financial Science Student Council
UP Capizeno
UP Paralegal Volunteers Organization
USAD - AdZu
USAID-Antipolo
US Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG)
UST AMV ASSET - Alliance for Student Service, Equity and Truth
USTP CDO Alumni Association
UTOPIA - Society of BA Political Science
Voice of the Youth for Social Transformation (VYST)
Vote Pilipinas
We Care Organization
We the Youth Vote
Western Visayas Network of Social Development NGOs, Inc. (WEVNET)
WeTheFuturePH
Women of War - Youth Sector
Women's Business Council Philippines, Inc. (WomenBizPH)
WVSU-3S' SOCIETY
YOUActive
YouActive Barotac Viejo
Young Centrists Union
Young Visionaries of Basilan
Youth Ablaze
Youth Advocate for Community Development
Youth Advocates for Change, Transformation, and Sustainability (Youth ACTS)
Youth Alliance for Human Rights Ateneo (YAHRA)
Youth and Student for Peace
Youth Congress of Pangasinan
Youth Development for Patikul Association
Youth Empowering Youth Initiative
Youth Empowerment Society
Youth for Peace Movement - TALBOS
Youth of Lanao Onwards
Youth Strike 4 Climate Philippines
Youth Vote Philippines
Zonta Club of Metro Ortigas