Some 170 malls to host voter registration ahead of 2025 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said around 170 malls across the country are expected to host its Register Anywhere Project (RAP) for the voter registration ahead of the 2025 national and local elections.

This developed after the Comelec signed a memorandum of agreement with Filinvest Malls, SM Supermalls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and Robinson Malls.

"Hindi na ganu'n kahirap, at the same time, nagkalat po ang mga Comelec personnel, kasama na rin po ang mall personnel upang siguraduhin na magiging maayos ang kanilang pagpaparehistro," Garcia said.

(The registration process has become easier. At the same time, our Comelec and mall personnel are ready to assist you to ensure that the registration process will be conducted smoothly.)

"Kumbinyente ang kanilang pagpaparehistro kaya sinisigurado namin na kahit medyo lumampas ka ng 10 minutes, 'yung convenience naman maga-guarantee namin dahil 'yun ang binibigay na garantiya ng ating mall owners and operators," he added.

(The registration is now convenient. That is something that we assure you of because that is the guarantee of our mall owners and operators.)

According to Garcia, voter registration inside the malls will be less stringent, with each registrant expected to finish his or her application in about 10 minutes.

In 2022, Comelec launched its pilot test for RAP in five selected malls in the National Capital Region and some provinces.

Garcia also said the poll body is also considering possible coordination between local Comelec offices and mall operators in their respective areas to hold not only RAP but also regular registrations.

Further, Garcia said the Comelec is looking into the possibility of holding RAP with the registration for the National ID.

Register early

Meanwhile, Garcia called on the public to register early and not wait for the last few days of voter registration.

The voter registration period is set from Feb. 12 to Sept. 30.

"Sana huwag na po nating hintayin 'yung Sept. 30 o 'yung mga ilang araw na lang para matapos ang registration. Ito po ay warning sa bawat isa, hindi po mag-e-extend ng registration… therefore, samantalahin habang maaga," Garcia said.

(Let us not wait for the final day of registration or the last few days of the registration period. This is a warning to everybody. We will not extend the registration. Therefore, process your application as early as now.)

He likewise warned against those who will have double or multiple registrations.

"Kung kayo po ay registered voter, huwag po kayong mag-attempt na magparehistro muli. Makikita't makikita po namin 'yan… 'Pag nalaman po namin 'yan, haharap po kayo sa kaso ng election offense na may kulong na isa hanggang tatlong taon," he said.

(If you are a registered voter, do not attempt to process another application. We can monitor that. If we catch you, you will face an election offense case, which has a penalty of imprisonment for one to three years.) — VDV, GMA Integrated News