Philippines targets 3 million new voters for 2028 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) aims to register an additional 3 million voters during a nine-month registration period beginning Nov. 10 ahead of the 2028 national and local elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body expects the number of registered voters to increase to about 74 million from the current 71 million.

The registration period will end on July 30, earlier than originally planned, to allow election officials to verify voter records, ensure candidates are registered in the areas where they intend to run, and complete a cleanup of the voters' list before the end of 2027, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency.

Applications will be reviewed by Election Registration Boards and subjected to biometric verification to identify duplicate registrations.

Garcia also reminded registrants to bring valid government-issued identification cards, saying barangay certificates and community tax certificates, or cedulas, will no longer be accepted as proof of identity.

Ahead of the Nov. 21 plebiscite in Naga City, Garcia said Comelec is monitoring Mayon Volcano's activity but has received no advisories indicating a threat to the vote.

Mayon remains under Alert Level 3 following a moderately explosive eruption on Oct. 30. The plebiscite is expected to cost PHP50 million, with the Naga City government contributing PHP20 million and Comelec covering the remaining PHP30 million.

Paraluman News with a report of Ferdinand Patinio/ Philippine News Agency