The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said voter registration in the National Capital Region (NCR) is suspended once the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the region begins on August 6.

In a Twitter post, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, meanwhile, encouraged the public to register in the remaining days before the start of the ECQ.

“Oh and, to be clear – #VoterReg will be suspended beginning August 6, or the same day the ECQ takes effect. Till then, pwede pang #MagparehistroKa (you can register as a voter),” Jimenez said.

“ECQ in NCR means a shutdown of the physical offices of Comelec in NCR. Voter registration will be effectively suspended in NCR,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jimenez reported that the number of new voters is now at 4.6 million.

“Now it is over 60 million (number of registered voters). Our target of new voters is 4 million and we are at 4.6 million so our registration has come a bit far,” he said in a radio interview.

He also reiterated that the possibility of extending the voter registration period is unlikely.

“As of the moment, the extension is not possible. We are pressed for time when it comes to the calendar. In our election calendar after registration ends on September 30, the filing of certificate of candidacy will commence and that is a signal that the making of the final list of voters should begin. It’s a long process and if we don’t start at the right time, we will not have enough time down the line,” Jimenez added.

Jimenez’s remarks came after some lawmakers asked the poll body to extend the voter registration until October 15, from the current September 30 deadline. (PNA)