Commission on Election (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said more than 270 malls across the country are expected to conduct the Register Anywhere Program in connection with the 2025 Midterm Elections.
The Register Anywhere Program, which was first piloted by the poll body in 2023, allows Filipinos to register as voters in nearby malls without going back to their place of residence.
"More or less, mga 270 malls ito sa buong bansa. Siyempre hindi pa kasama yung mga ongoing natin na kinakausap na malls lalo na sa Mindanao at Visayas na hindi kasama sa mga binanggit natin. Ayan yung magpa-participate sa ating program," he told DZRH in an interview.
COMELEC chairperson George Garcia sa voters' registration: Tayo ay may 68 million registered voters sa buong bansa. Siyempre isama naman natin yung sa SK, 24 million naman#Balansyado#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 8, 2024
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The Register Anywhere Program will run from February 12 to August 31.
Garcia said they plan to establish the Register Anywhere Program in government offices and agencies, churches, as well as in universities to reach more Filipinos who plan to register, transfer their registration, activate their accounts, and do other transactions.
According to the Comelec Chief, the poll body initiated the program to help ease the burdens of Filipino voters.
"Kakailanganin yung Register Anywhere sapagkat papaano yung mga nagtratrabaho dito na lang sa Metro Manila pero sila talaga ay taga-probinsya. Hindi naman sila makakauwi, mag-leave para lang magparehistro, at yung mag nag-aaral sa Maynila, paano ka pa makakapagparehistro sa maikling panahon kung ikaw naman ay nag-aaral, hindi ka makauwi," he said.
The Comelec has signed a memorandum of agreement with SM Supermalls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and Robinsons Malls for the said program.
Coemelc Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a press statement that Garcia has estimated that an applicant can register in the mall within five to 10 minutes.
