Gabriela Solon Calls for a More Accessible Registration Process

Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Rep.Liza Maza today called on the current administration and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to make the registration process and its requirements more accessible and affordable especially to those who are economically marginalized.

Maza said that one of the actual problems women face during the registration process is the financial burden brought by the fees and requirements.

“It appears that the right to vote comes with a high price for women particularly first time voters who would need to acquire valid identification, barangay certificates and NBI/Police clearances as required by COMELEC. For those who cannot afford these fees, they are dissuaded,” Maza said.

Maza cited the actual experiences of women in Quezon City who need to pay P269.25 for the following fees: community tax certificate (P59.25), barangay clearance (P60.00) and NBI/Police Clearance (P150.00). In Caloocan, one needs P211.00 comprising of community tax certificate (P6.00), barangay clearance (P25.00) and NBI/Police clearance (P180.00). For those in Manila, one needs to have P160.00 for community tax certificate (P5.00), barangay clearance (P15.00), and NBI/Police Clearance (P140.00).

The Gabriela solon explained that most women in the communities would rather spend this amount to put food on the table and provide for their daily needs. “Choosing to pay for the said fees is tantamount to starve their kids for a day or two,” she said.

“Even if women are willing to register and vote, it appears that with these compulsory fees, the government itself is taking away their right to suffrage. It is just saddening how even in this supposed democratic process that the marginalization of women is even more magnified,” Maza stressed.

Maza issued this called today as she led the launching of “Babae Ka, May Sey Ka!”, the nationwide voters’ registration campaign that aims to encourage the Filipino people especially women to go out and register for the upcoming 2010 Election.

In this campaign, we hope to educate and encourage more women to go out from their homes, factories, offices, establishments, schools, and communities to register and be able to exercise their constitutional right to suffrage. ” Maza concluded.