MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is keen on tapping new private establishments such as malls as voting centers for the May 2025 midterm polls.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday it would set up mall voting precincts during the 2025 midterm elections.  

The pilot run of mall voting during the 2023 Village and Youth Council polls was a success, noted Comelec Chairman George Garcia.

“Lahat ng malls sa buong bansa lalong lalo sa Metro Manila magpapaboto po tayo,” Garcia said.

He also added, “Mas komportable, mas malamig-lamig ng onti, walang vote buying, walang violence, walang dumi, walang kalat.”

This does not mean, however, that voting in schools will no longer take place.

“Mayroon po kaming tinatawag na consultation process. Ibig sabihin, kung majority ng mga nakatira diyan sa barangay na ‘yan o sa presintong ‘yan gusto ilipat ang kanilang pagboto sa mall, saka po namin kayo ililipat. Hindi po namin pupuwersahin ang paglipat ng venue ng pagboto,” Garcia stated.

The poll chief assured that mall voting would not cost the government.  The partnership will benefit mall owners since more people flock to their establishments and spend on food and other merchandise.

The specific malls used for voting are still to be identified.

Comelec officials visited the University of Santo Tomas for the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), partnering with schools, government offices, and private companies to bring voter registration to the public.

Over a month ago, 1.3 million registered, with Comelec aiming to register 3 million new voters.  Students and administrators can update their registration information and make other services available.

The Comelec also hopes to receive more budget to pay for the use of schools that will be voting venues.

This is in line with the concern raised last year by Vice President and Department of Education Secretary Sara Duterte that public schools shoulder expenses incurred during elections, such as bills for utilities and repairs.

“Kami ay magpo-propose na ng budget sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management). Nasa DBM na po ‘yan, later on sa Kongreso, kung papayag sila na makapagbayad tayo ng paggamit ng kuryente, paggamit man lang sa mga tubig,” Garcia said.

Sources:(1),(2),(3)

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