PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday denied calls to extend the voter registration beyond Sept. 30.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez, however, said the poll body will make other modifications to accommodate those who want to cast their vote in the 2022 elections.

The Comelec en banc voted to reject appeals to extend the registration period because the extension may result in more delays in the preparations for the upcoming national elections on May 9, 2022.

"The commission is concerned that if we delay the end of voter registration, it will also cause corresponding delays in all other preparatory activities especially those that depend on the finalization of the list of voters. That will have the potential to adversely affect the timelines in the preparations for the presidential elections," Jimenez said in a virtual media briefing.

However, the commissioners unanimously agreed to extend voting hours and open the registration even on Saturdays and holidays. The final voting hours will be released in a formal resolution.

Last week, seven senators filed a resolution urging the Comelec to "prevent voter disenfranchisement brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic" by extending the deadline for voter registration to Oct. 30. 

Currently, registration is on hold for Metro Manila and other areas under enhanced community quarantine and modified ECQ.

Jimenez reiterated that voter registration can only be conducted in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ. (PIA-NCR)