Comelec expects more poll registrants

More Filipinos are expected to register during the eight-month voter registration period for the May 2028 National and Local Elections (NLE), which is set to reopen in November, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the poll body expects a high volume of registrants because of the extended registration period.

“Consequently, we can expect that those who register, transfer, or reactivate their status will be able to participate in the 2028 national and local elections, as well as the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE). We anticipate a high volume of registrants given the extended timeframe,” he said Saturday.

The Comelec plans to reopen voter registration in mid-November and keep it open until the end of July 2027.

Asked why the registration period will end in July 2027, Garcia said the Comelec needs to ensure that the voter list, precinct allocation and Election Registration Board (ERB) hearings are properly prepared.

“We want to ensure the voter list, the project of precincts, and ERB hearings are properly prepared, making this the ideal period for the Comelec to conduct the process,” he said.

The registration period will reopen after the BSKE was moved to November 2028.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12326 into law, extending the terms of barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan members to five years and postponing the BSKE to November 2028.