Manila: The months-long voter registration period resumed on Monday, with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urging the public to avoid last-minute applications. "We hope they will not wait until the end of registration," stated Comelec Chairperson George Garcia during an interview after overseeing voter registration activities at Rizal Park in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized that Filipinos should not let dissatisfaction over governmental corruption deter them from registering. "The hatred in your hearts, your anger, let's just reserve it for voter registration so that we can vote," he advised. "The ballot is our response to all the problems we see in our country."

The registration period, which will run until May 18, 2026, is scheduled from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The electoral body aims to register approximately 1.4 million voters during this period.

Garcia mentioned that they have not yet received reports on the number of registrants who participated on the first day of voter registration. "We are still assessing the ongoing Day 1 of the voter registration nationwide," he said.

The upcoming nationwide elections are set for November 2, 2026, to elect barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth) officials.