Double Trouble? Comelec Confirms Multiple Registrants Can Still Vote in 2025 Elections

Despite facing scrutiny, over one million double registrants retain their voting rights as Comelec seeks to purge the voter list.

Philippine Headlines / 2:00 AM GMT-3 • November 6, 2024

In a significant development regarding the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of the Philippines has confirmed that an estimated one million individuals identified as double or multiple registrants will still have the opportunity to cast their votes. This decision comes amidst ongoing investigations and potential criminal suits against these registrants. The implications of this ruling are crucial, as they touch on the fundamental democratic right to vote—a right that cannot be easily stripped away, even in the face of potential electoral misconduct.

--- --- Understanding the Double Registration Issue The Comelec has been proactive in identifying and addressing the issue of double and multiple registrations, especially in the National Capital Region and various parts of Mindanao. According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, the commission conducted hearings from February to September, uncovering around one million individuals who registered in more than one location. This phenomenon raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, as it could lead to individuals voting multiple times in different precincts. Retaining Voting Rights Despite the alarming statistics, Garcia emphasized that the initial registrations of these double registrants will remain intact, stating, “A person cannot be deprived of his right to vote, as stated in our Constitution.” This means that while subsequent registrations may be removed from the official voter list, the original registration will allow individuals to participate in the elections. The Need for Investigation The Comelec's decision to investigate these multiple registrants stems from the unusual spikes in voter registration in certain areas, which raised red flags. Garcia mentioned that the commission would continue to scrutinize these registrations to ensure that no one is unlawfully voting more than once. To facilitate this, the Election Registration Board (ERB) will reach out to double registrants to hear their side of the story, providing a fair chance for explanation before any criminal charges are pursued. Technological Solutions To aid in the identification of double registrants, the Comelec plans to utilize the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). This technology will help the commission accurately track individuals who may have registered multiple times, ensuring that the voting process remains fair and secure. ---

“A person cannot be deprived of his right to vote, as stated in our Constitution.” — Comelec Chairman George Garcia

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As the May 2025 elections approach, the Comelec faces a dual challenge: maintaining the integrity of the electoral process while safeguarding the voting rights of individuals, even those who may have erred in their registration. The commission's commitment to transparency and fairness will be crucial in navigating these waters, ensuring that while the system is cleaned up, no eligible voter is left behind. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes will be on Comelec to see how they balance these competing priorities to uphold the democratic process in the Philippines.

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