The Commission on Elections disclosed on Friday that it will investigate the more than 118,000 entries from the most recent voter registration period from December last year to January for possible classification as double or multiple registrations — an election violation under the Omnibus Election Code.

Data provided by the poll body revealed that at least 118,178 voter registration entries were tagged as having the same fingerprints as identified in its Automated Fingerprint Identification System or AFIS.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that the said entries could come from an already registered voter who aims to file a new registration but using either the same or different name or address.

He added that these would require an investigation as it could potentially prove that such entries are intended for double or multiple registrations.

“This requires therefore, not only a deletion of the application for new registration, but more so an investigation, whether or not the new application is intentional and coupled with a clear design to become double or multiple registrants,” Laudiangco said.

Under the OEC, Filipinos who have been proven to double or multiple register during the voter registration period might face prison between one to six years and probation, as well as prohibition in holding public positions and “deprivation of the right to suffrage.”