Comelec: Voter registration applications subject to ERB approval

Detailed summary

MANILA – Nearly 80,000 applications were received during the first three days of the resumption of nationwide voter registration, more than double the nearly...

VOTER REGISTRATION. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia (left), with Commissioners Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal and Noli Pipo, visits the special Register Anywhere Program site at Luneta Park in Manila on Thursday (Nov. 12, 2026). Nearly 80,000 applications were received during the first three days of the resumption of nationwide voter registration, more than double the nearly 37,000 recorded on the opening day, the Comelec said. (Screengrab from Comelec video)

MANILA – Nearly 80,000 applications were received during the first three days of the resumption of nationwide voter registration, more than double the nearly 37,000 recorded on the opening day, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia described the turnout as a "blockbuster," noting that the number of applicants remained high on the second day.

"On the first day, there were nearly 37,000 registrants nationwide. Let's double that – we're already approaching 80,000 across the entire Philippines. It's truly a blockbuster turnout. The number of people registering remained just as high on the second day," he said.

Garcia made the statement during his visit Thursday to the special Register Anywhere Program (RAP) site at Luneta in Manila, accompanied by other Comelec officials.

He expressed hope that the next Comelec leadership would continue and expand the RAP, which currently operates in highly urbanized cities, other cities, and provincial capital towns.

"This initiative should be continued – not just under our current leadership, but by the next administration, as well. It ought to be expanded further. The time will come when even ordinary municipalities will have a 'Register Anywhere' program," he said.

Garcia clarified that the issuance of a registration application receipt does not automatically mean an applicant is already a registered voter.

All applications, whether for new registration, transfer, or reactivation, must first be evaluated by…

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