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Rep. Mikey Arroyo to COMELEC: People are afraid, postpone 2022 elections

Fears from his constituents prompted Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo to suggest postponing the 2022 general elections.

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Pampanga 2nd District Representative and House Deputy Majority Leader Mikey Arroyo asked the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) if they will consider postponing the 2022 elections because of the pandemic.

This suggestion came about during the budget hearings for the poll body at the House of Representatives on September 24.

According to Arroyo, his constituents have expressed fear in going to vote on May 9, 2022 because there hasn’t been any assurance of a vaccine yet for the COVID-19 virus.

“I’ve been doing my share of reading about this pandemic and it seems that, assuming for the sake of argument that nothing goes wrong, the earliest that the vaccine will be available in our country for everybody, maybe September or October next year,” he said during the hearing.

Recently-appointed COMELEC Commissioner Sheriff Abas said they will take Arroyo’s comment into consideration. “Medyo mabigay na usapin yan, but rest assured titignan natin kung paano madedevelop ang sitwasyon natin sa health.”

He also said the matter is for Congress and President Rodrigo Duterte to decide, not on the poll body.

Netizens were upset at Arroyo’s suggestion, calling him out for speculations like wanting to extend the terms of incumbent officials.

https://twitter.com/squaredron/status/1309018995933294592

https://twitter.com/jerramarieee/status/1309040292700528640

BAYAN Secretary General Renato Reyes Jr. has called out Arroyo on his proposal.

Perhaps the most scathing remark comes from foreign affairs Sec. Teddy Locsin Jr.

Alternatives to physical voting

COMELEC Exec. Dir. Bartolome Sinocruz, Jr. has said the poll body is looking into alternative ways for Filipinos to cast their votes.

He cited examples from South Korea and the United States as possible measures for the COMELEC to take.

South Korea has been praised for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A report from UK-based news outlet The Guardian revealed steps that South Korea took during its general election last April 15.

The article said that infected citizens were allowed to vote in hospitals, treatment centers, and from their homes. All 14,000 polling centers were also disinfected and provided with hand sanitizers. Those with fevers were directed to a separate polling booth, which was disinfected after every use.

Effective quarantine policies were also enforced, like mandatory wearing of face masks and appropriate physical distancing while waiting in line to vote.

The United States, on the other hand, is looking at mail-in voting for their Presidential elections, though US President Donald Trump is strongly opposing the measure.

At least one representative has expressed support for Arroyo’s proposal to the COMELEC: Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza.

During the budget hearing, Daza said going through with the 2022 elections would favor incumbent officials over newcomers, especially during the campaign period. He said it would be easier for incumbents to campaign thanks to the pandemic.

2022 electionsBartolome Sinocruz Jr.COMELECCommission on ElectionsCOVID-19Mikey Arroyopaul dazapostpone electionsPresidential Elections 2022Renato Reyesrenato reyes jrrodrigo duterteSouth Korean Electionsteddy locsinTeddy Locsin JrUS elecitons

Written by Andronico Del Rosario

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