The senators resumed the debate on hybrid elections in the Senate session on Thursday.
According to Senate Committee on Electoral Reform and People’s Participation Chairman Senator Imee Marcos, the version of the hybrid elections proposal they are discussing was passed in 2019, even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Because of this, he said, it will be vague to implement the proposal and instead try only in pilot areas. He said this can be done in 4 to 5 clustered precincts.
There will be a manual count in his proposed measure, but printed ballots will be used to save time.
There will also be new security devices in the transmission, including digital signatures, audit logs, and more.
Senator Sonny Angara asked Marcos how much will be covered in pilot testing for the 2022 National Elections.
Marcos replied that only 4 areas might be part of the pilot testing – 2 rural and 2 urban areas in Luzon and Mindanao.
Earlies this month, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it would finalize the guidelines for the elections to be held next year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senate continues to discuss hybrid elections
According to Comelec Commissioner Antonio Kho Jr., Comelec’s ‘new normal committee’ will finalize the 2022 guidelines this May or June.
Certainly, the designation of an “isolated polling place” in each polling center will be included so that those who experience fever can still vote.
This was tested in a plebiscite in March to divide Palawan.
“Kung mataas talaga ‘yong kaniyang temperature, dadalhin siya to what is known as the IPP – isolated polling place. Bagong sistema ito. So, lahat ng polling centers doon magkakaroon ng IPP. So bibigyan pa rin ‘yong botante ng right to vote,” said Kho.
The plan to limit the number of voters in each voting precinct and extend voting hours is still ongoing. The guidelines will include its details.
The Comelec plans to include their social media campaigns in the computation of the candidates’ broadcast expenses.
It must be declared in the respective statements of campaign contribution and expenditures.
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