Filipino athletes at the 30th Southeast Asian Games closing ceremony. INQUIRER PHOTO/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine delegation for the much-delayed 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi won’t be able to vote in the national elections set for May 9.
This after the Commission on Elections turned down the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) request to allow the delegates to vote before leaving for Vietnam.
“The Comelec has politely turned down the proposal citing the Omnibus Election Code, Executive Order no. 157, Republic Acts 7166 and 10380 and Comelec Resolution No. 10725,” the PSC said in a statement.
“While this is sad news for all concerned, the PSC Board respects the Comelec’s advice.”
Under the Local Absentee Voting provision, only government officials and employees, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) and media practitioners are allowed to vote earlier than the actual date of the polls.
The SEA Games will take place from May 12 to 23 but Team Philippines is expected to be in Hanoi well ahead of the start of the biennial meet to acclimatize.
The pandemic situation also comes into play as participants will also need to allot more time to comply with quarantine measures.
The regional tournament was originally scheduled from November 21 to December 2 this year.