Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced plans to resume voter registration activities for the May 2028 national and local elections by early next year. Comelec chief George Erwin Garcia revealed this decision following the conclusion of a seven-month voter registration period for the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia mentioned in an interview that the potential resumption in February would allow those who were unable to register previously, as well as those reaching the required age for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, to participate. Garcia emphasized the importance of the 2028 Presidential and Vice Presidential elections and the need for eligible voters to ensure their registration.
As of May 18, the Commission processed 5,470,889 applications since voter registration began on November 20, 2025. The highest number of applications was processed in Calabarzon with 887,677, followed by Central Luzon with 613,185, and the National Capital Region with 598,427. The Cordillera region recorded the lowest number with 75,822 applications. The poll body also accepted applications for transfer, reactivation, and other processes.
Garcia also announced that overseas voter registration is ongoing and will continue until September 30, 2027. He urged Filipinos abroad to register before the deadline and highlighted the availability of satellite registration abroad to reach a target of 2 million to 2.5 million overseas voters.
In other developments, Garcia reported receiving a letter from the House of Representatives regarding a vacancy following the resignation of Pinoy Workers party-list Rep. Franz Legazpi. The letter from House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil confirmed the acceptance of Legazpi's resignation and inquired about the issuance of a Certificate of Proclamation and the next nominee to replace him. Garcia noted that they have not yet received a declaration of vacancy following the resignation of 1 Tahanan party-list Nathaniel Oducado.
