The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is expecting more Filipinos to register during the eight-month voter registration period, set to reopen in November, in connection with the May 2028 National and Local Elections (NLE).

According to Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, they expect a high volume of registrants considering the long period of registration.

“Consequently, we can expect that those who register, transfer, or reactivate their status will be able to participate in the 2028 national and local elections, as well as the Barangay and SK elections (BSKE). We anticipate a high volume of registrants given the extended timeframe,” he said in an interview on Saturday.

The commission is looking to reopen the registration period middle of November, to run until the end of July 2027.

Asked why the registration period is only until July 2027, Garcia said, “We want to ensure the voter list, the project of precincts, and ERB (Election Registration Board) hearings are properly prepared, making this the ideal period for the Comelec to conduct the process.”

The Comelec is set to reopen the registration process after the BSKE has been moved to November 2028.

On Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., signed into law Republic Act 12326, fixing the term of office of barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan members to five years, and postponing the BSKE to November 2028. (PNA)