Comelec: Symptomatic, COVID-19 positive voters can still cast ballots

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) affirmed that all registered voters, including those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, will be permitted to cast their ballots on May 9.

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia clarified that individuals with symptoms such as cough, colds, or fever will not be prevented from voting.

Voters showing COVID-19 symptoms will be directed to designated isolation polling places (IPPs) to cast their votes while adhering to health protocols.

Garcia stated that COVID-19 patients can vote as long as they are allowed to leave isolation facilities, but ballots will not be delivered to these facilities.

He also noted that voters isolating at home due to COVID-19 are not prohibited from voting, as Comelec has no policy against it.

Garcia emphasized that Comelec's policy is to ensure every eligible citizen can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Regarding the possibility of postponing the elections due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Garcia noted that Section 6 of the Omnibus Election Code does not automatically justify such a measure.