The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is eyeing partnerships with around 100 shopping malls to host voter registration and other election-related activities ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and the 2028 presidential polls.
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the initiative is meant to make registration more accessible for Filipinos seeking to register or update their records.
“Initiatives like voter registration are expanding, giving Filipinos the flexibility to register, update, or transfer records conveniently at a mall near them,” Garcia said.
He added that major mall chains were looking to expand their participation nationwide.
“The well-known malls want to expand to their other branches in different places. Hopefully, they will reach 100 for the 2028 elections,” he noted.
Garcia emphasized that while the arrangement benefits both COMELEC and mall operators, the primary goal is advancing the national interest by boosting voter access and turnout.
COMELEC has already signed agreements with several major mall operators under its Mall Voting and Register Anywhere Program (RAP), including Robinsons Malls, SM Supermalls, WalterMart, Filinvest Malls, and Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.