Zubiri urges youth to register for 2010 elections

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Friday urged the youth and young professionals to go out and register on or before the October 31 deadline set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The Majority Leader said first-time voters should register to be able to participate in the electoral process because "the coming national and local election is crucial in the growth of the nation."

The senator reminded that the Comelec offices would be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, Friday and from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight on Saturday to give new and unregistered voters a chance to register.

"While most of us will go to our respective cemeteries to pay respect for the departed members of our family, incoming or first time voters might as well take this opportunity to drop by at the nearest Comelec office in your area and register," he said.

"If we are after the economic and social development of this nation, now is the time that we make a move, to make a difference, not tomorrow or a year after we have elected our new president," Zubiri said.

The senator likewise appealed to the public to stop pointing fingers on who to blame for the continued hunger, poverty, and rampant issue of graft and corruption, including the large disparity between the rich and the poor because Filipinos failed to play their share by voting the right leader during elections.

"I call on the youth and the young professionals to please complement the effort of the Comelec in redeeming its dwindling credibility in enforcing a clean, honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections through the coming automated election by going out and register," he said.

Zubiri also called on voters who have failed to participate in the last elections to verify their status and have it activated.

The Comelec has estimated 1.9 million first-time voters would be turning 18 in time for next year's election and about 1.15 million old voters have yet to register.

He likewise urged those working in the government to also assist the Comelec in its efforts by encouraging members of their family to register and verify their registration record.