The Commission on Elections (Comelec) projects an increase in registered voters for the 2028 National and Local Elections amid preparations including election machine procurement and budget adjustments.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines announced on September 28, 2026, that approximately 74 million registered voters are expected to participate in the 2028 National and Local Elections. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated during the agency’s Senate budget hearing that this projection represents an increase of about three million voters compared to previous elections. Additionally, an estimated one million voters are anticipated for the 2028 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled to be held in November 2028.
In preparation for these elections, the Comelec is drafting terms of reference for new voting machines as the agency plans to procure additional units. The poll body initially requested a budget of 44.7 billion pesos for 2027, which was subsequently reduced by 34% to 29.5 billion pesos.
Following the recent signing of a law postponing the BSKE to 2028 and extending the term of barangay and SK officials from four to five years, Comelec will reopen voter registration from November 2026 until June 30, 2028. Garcia highlighted that the rescheduling will necessitate additional funding due to the increase in voters, precincts, electoral board members, and election paraphernalia required.
The Comelec disclosed that it has already utilized 8 billion pesos from its 19 billion-peso budget for the now postponed BSKE, noting that some election supplies, such as indelible ink, might go unused. The agency hopes Congress will allow the transfer of the unspent BSKE budget to support preparations for the National and Local Elections.
Legal challenges have arisen, with election lawyer Romulo Macalintal filing a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order against the postponement of the BSKE, arguing the validity and constitutionality of the law postponing these elections. However, Garcia indicated the agency’s readiness to postpone the November 2, 2026, BSKE if necessary, citing the Comelec’s authority under the Omnibus Election Code to postpone elections in cases of terrorism, violence, or force majeure.
The filing period for candidacy for the BSKE was initially scheduled from September 28 to October 5, 2026. Amid these developments, the Comelec continues to adjust its operational and budget plans to accommodate the changes in the election schedule and voter registration.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/1004025/comelec-74m-voters-expected-in-2028-polls/