36K register on voter registration resumption

More than 36,000 Filipinos registered on the first day of nationwide voter registration, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Wednesday.

Data released by the commission showed that 36,124 individuals completed their registration on 10 November. Female registrants accounted for 19,399 of the total, while 16,725 were male.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia praised the initial turnout, describing the opening day as a major success.

“The number of people who lined up and showed such patience is truly remarkable,” Garcia said.

Region IV-A, or Calabarzon — comprising the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon — recorded the highest regional turnout with 8,101 registrants, followed by the National Capital Region with 6,741.

Garcia cited that electoral authorities project approximately 3 million new and updating voters will register before the nationwide sign-up period concludes 30 July.

Meanwhile, voter registration was temporarily suspended in Batanes and Naga City.

Comelec explained that operations were placed on hold in Naga City due to a scheduled 21 November plebiscite regarding the city’s proposed conversion into a highly urbanized city. Registration in Batanes was suspended pending a 28 November special election to fill a vacant congressional seat.