Comelec to launch ‘Register Anywhere’ drive starting in 5 NCR malls

The National Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday has announced the five initial locations in the National Capital Region to be involved in its Register Anywhere Project (RAP) pilot run from December 17, 2022 to January 22, 2023.

These locations are SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, SM South Mall, Robinsons Galleria, and Robinsons Place Manila—malls that are widely accessible across NCR. The RAP will operate every Saturdays and Sundays during the duration.

“Nagkataon pong hindi kayo nakatira sa Metro Manila at gusto niyo pa rin bumoto doon sa munisipyo ninyo, halimbawa Tuguegarao o taga-Cavite, nagkatoon nandito kayo, puwede po kayo pumunta sa register anywhere booth,” Comelec spokesperson Atty. Rex Laudiangco said in a public briefing.

Under the RAP, qualified applicants who happen to be in Metro Manila but residing in other parts of the country may register via RAP booths.

Laudiangco says that the project will be helpful for students and for those working in the metro who don’t have a chance to go back to their hometown to register. He also mentioned that the project will be open for departing Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and seamen.

The required voter’s information such as their registration form, documents, fingerprints and other biometrics will be taken on-site and then Comelec sends the data to the municipality/city of the voter.

Aside from malls, the Comelec also plans to launch the RAP in the main offices of the House of Representatives in Quezon City, the Senate and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) both in Pasay City. As well as in Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions as additional locations for the RAP’s pilot run.