The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) joined calls for citizens to sign up and vote in next year’s elections.

“It is important to remind people that all government emanates from them and that it is through the ballot that the people exercise this power,” IBP national president Burt Estrada said in a message to the media on Tuesday, 44 days before the end of registration on Sept. 30.

“The IBP has joined the calls for people to participate in the 2022 polls because it is the right thing to do. As the sentinel of the rule of law and democracy, it is important for the IBP to encourage the public to exercise its right and responsibility in one of the most basic foundations of a healthy democracy,” the statement added.

As of last count, the number of new voters is at 4.6 million, exceeding the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) target of four million and bringing the total registered voters to 60 million.

The Comelec said an extension for registration is unlikely as the filing of certificates of candidacy and the preparation of the final list of voters should begin soon after.

Some lawmakers have asked the poll body to extend the voter registration at least for a month in areas affected by lockdowns.

Malacañang said as a constitutional body, Comelec has the primary jurisdiction to decide on matters concerning elections. (PNA)