Iloilo City: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) formally launched its mall voting initiative in Iloilo City on Friday to enhance public awareness and participation in the new voting setup for the May 12 midterm elections. The launch featured a caravan that passed by the areas where the participating malls are located, concluding with an assembly and briefing at the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City campus gymnasium.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative will see only two cities in Western Visayas-Roxas City and Iloilo City-participating in the mall voting program. Comelec Election Assistant II Jonathan Sayno emphasized the significance of public awareness activities, such as the caravan, to involve barangays in the mall voting program. On Election Day, 8,249 registered voters in Iloilo City are expected to cast their votes at four participating malls: Robinsons Place City Proper, Robinsons Place Jaro, SM City Iloilo, and Festive Walk Mall.
The barangays participating in the program include San Vicente, Buhang Taft North, Airport, and Magsaysay, Kauswagan, Osme±a, Roxas Village, and San Jose City Proper. Sayno announced that the malls will open at 4 a.m. on May 12, with voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities starting at 5 a.m., and general voting commencing at 7 a.m. and concluding at 7 p.m.
Election Officer IV, lawyer Pinky Jevini Tentativa, expressed hope for the success of the mall voting initiative, not only for the upcoming elections but for future ones as well. She confirmed that these mall voting centers are intended to be permanent unless voters request a transfer to another voting center.
Comelec Iloilo Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Reinier Layson acknowledged the challenges associated with mall-based voting, particularly the open and accessible nature of malls compared to traditional precincts. He urged voters to adhere to the rules and maintain order. Despite these challenges, Layson noted that the participating malls are well-equipped to handle large crowds due to their experience with public events and coordination with Comelec.
In a separate media briefing, Iloilo City Police Office Director Col. Kim Legada confirmed that security preparations are in place in coordination with Comelec Iloilo City. Mall security personnel will assist the Philippine National Police to ensure safety, as the malls will remain open to regular shoppers on Election Day.
