Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to collaborate with at least 100 shopping malls to facilitate voter registration and other election-related activities. This initiative aims to make the registration process more accessible to Filipinos by providing convenient locations for new voter registration and record updates.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the importance of reaching more Filipinos through this initiative. "Initiatives like voter registration are expanding, giving Filipinos the flexibility to register, update, or transfer records conveniently at a mall near them," Garcia stated during an interview. He further expressed hope that the number of participating malls would reach 100 by the 2028 elections, with well-known mall operators planning to extend services to their other branches nationwide.
Earlier this week, Comelec signed an agreement with major mall operators to expand its Mall Voting and Register Anywhere Program (RAP). The participating private companies include Robinsons Malls, SM Supermalls, WalterMart, Filinvest Malls, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. Garcia highlighted the significance of these partnerships, noting that the support from these malls is a substantial contribution to expanding access to the democratic process.
In preparation for the May 2025 polls, Comelec had already partnered with 53 malls across the country for the mall voting project, demonstrating the effectiveness and potential of such collaborations.
