Comelec eyes return of voter's ID issuance

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking to issue voter's identification (ID) cards again.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said Wednesday they have begun discussions on the possible return of issuing the cards this year.

"In the case of our national ID, many are still unable to get them. Hopefully, before the end of the year, we can bring it back. The commission is already discussing its specifics and the required funding for it," Garcia said.

He noted that they would initially issue the cards to overseas Filipinos.

"Hopefully, we can give an initial batch to our overseas Filipinos. We hope to have the best features, have 32 security features, and the least costly one," he added.

In December 2017, the poll body suspended indefinitely the issuance of the voter's ID due to the government's release of the national ID under the Philippine Identification System (PhilID).

The card issued by the Comelec is a valid ID, although a registered voter is allowed to vote even if he/she has no voter's ID. (PNA)