An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to promptly address the issues hindering the conduct of the ongoing overseas absentee voting (OAV).
In a letter addressed to Comelec Chairman Saidamen B. Pangarungan, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Action and Justice and Peace and Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo expressed concern on how the issues could negatively affect the turnout of the OAV.
Among the issues, the prelate said, were the reported pre-shaded ballots in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, voting outside of precincts in Singapore, and the exit poll in Hong Kong.
The poll body earlier said it is already looking into addressing the said issues.
“We would like to commend the Comelec for taking swift action in addressing these issues to ensure the integrity of the elections. This will surely build the confidence of the voting public,” Bagaforo said.
Bagaforo’s letter was sent to Pangarungan’s office last Tue. but was only released to the media the following day.
He said they are open to working with the Comelec on it could better improve the conduct of the OAV.
To note, around 1.7 million Filipino voters are expected to participate in the OAV, which will run from April 10 to May 9, 2022. (Samuel Medenilla)