The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to pilot test its "register anywhere" voter registration system in select partner malls in the National Capital Region (NCR) wherein satellite/offsite registrations are being conducted.
In a statement sent by Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco, he said that the “Register Anywhere” system will provide registrants the convenience of registering in a mall of their choice (during the pilot test, within the NCR) where an offsite or satellite registration is being held, even if the said mall is located in a city or municipality other than their city or municipality of their residence.
He added that in implementing this system firstly in NCR, the poll body will install two sets of voter registration booths:
- One for Registrants/Applicants who are Residents of the City or Municipality where the satellite/offsite registration is being held; and
- Another for Registrants/Applicants who are Non-Residents of the City or Municipality where the satellite/offsite registration is being held.
"Similar to the regular registration processes under RA No. 8189, the names of the registrants/applicants will still be posted in the Office of the Election Officer having jurisdiction of the city or municipality of their residence, as well as in conspicuous places therein, including that of their barangay, which will be in full compliance of the publication/posting/public notice requirement," Laudiangco explained.
He mentioned that in the same manner, the Election Registration Board (ERB) having jurisdiction over the registrant/applicant’s residence shall still have the exclusive and original power to hear all such applications under the “Register Anywhere” system, including hearing opposition thereto and the receive evidence for or against the registrant/applicant.