Manila, May 29 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will no longer include barangay clearance from the requirements for voter registration, as its issuance is being abused by unscrupulous individuals.

Speaking during the monthly Balitaan forum of the Manila City Hall Reporters' Association (MACHRA) at the Harbor View Restaurant in Ermita on Thursday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said barangay certificates have been "weaponized" by some people for purposes of having flying voters.

"To avoid that, we are removing barangay certificates as part of the requirements (for voter registration)," Garcia said.

"This is the first time that we will no longer accept such certificate. We will remove barangay certificate from the enumeration ...