Baguio: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Baguio is proposing the establishment of 20 additional polling centers to alleviate congestion in current voting areas. This initiative aims to address the increasing number of registered voters in the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, Baguio Election Officer, lawyer John Paul Martin, emphasized that the proposal is intended to enhance the voting experience for citizens. Martin noted the success of the May 2025 midterm elections, suggesting that the new centers would contribute to a smoother and more efficient voting process.

The proposed locations for the new polling centers include Irisan National High School, Irisan Elementary School, and Baguio City Science High School for Irisan; Divine Mercy Parish for Sto. Tomas Proper; and Siloam Christian Academy for Pinsao Proper. Additional sites are Crystal Cave Elementary School for Bakakeng Central, Atok Trail Elementary School for Atok Trail, and Quirino Hill Elementary School for East Quirino Hill.

Other venues under consideration are Roxas National High School to relieve crowding at Roxas Elementary School, Mil-an National High School for Loakan Proper and Loakan-Liwanag, and Saint Louis University (SLU) facilities in Pacdal and Navy Base to decongest Rizal Elementary School. Teachers Camp facilities are also being considered as additional voting areas.

Further recommendations include Bakakeng Elementary School, Guisad Valley High School, Bakakeng National High School, San Vicente National High School, Gibraltar Elementary School, and Dona Aurora Elementary and High Schools for various barangays. Martin highlighted that some barangays have already submitted resolutions in support of establishing new polling centers.

Baguio experienced an 87 percent voter turnout in previous elections. With over 4,000 new registrants, voter numbers are projected to increase further as registration reopens from Oct. 20 until May 2026.