The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that despite an impending law that will postpone the village elections originally set for December, there has been a strong response from citizens regarding voter registration across multiple locations throughout the country.
Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said this indicates a high level of engagement and interest in the electoral process, even with the uncertainty surrounding the next election schedule.
“This positive result on the initial day of voter registration clearly demonstrates the Filipino people’s readiness to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections and to engage actively in the democratic process,” Garcia said.
The Comelec observed a big number of new registrants on the first two days of the 10-day registration period for the next election, officially called the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
“We are optimistic about achieving our goal of one million new voters within 10 days,” Garcia said, expressing hope that at least 50% of the registrations would come from individuals aged 15 to 17, the majority of whom are first-time voters.
The Comelec has not yet published the registration figures; however, it has indicated its objective to register one million new voters during the current registration campaign from August 1 to August 10.
“Had we not pushed for voter registration for at least 10 days, it is likely that we would not have had any citizens aged 15 to 17 eligible to cast their votes. This situation could have led to a complete lack of participation in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” he added.
Garcia expressed confidence that there are no problems, even if President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. decides to implement another law that postpones the elections for the village and youth councils.
The Comelec chief emphasized that the registrations collected during the ongoing registration period will remain valid and recognized, regardless of any changes to the election schedule.
