Manila:The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is aiming to register an additional 3 million voters for the May 2028 elections during a nine-month registration period commencing on November 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated in an interview that the registration period has been set to conclude on July 30, earlier than the original end date of September 30. This adjustment is to ensure that those who file a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) are confirmed registered voters in the areas they seek election. The current voter count stands at 71 million, and with the new registrations, the total is expected to reach approximately 74 million voters for the 2028 national and local elections.

Garcia emphasized the importance of cleansing the voter list, explaining that all applications must be approved by the Election Registration Boards (ERBs) and undergo the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) process to detect any duplicate registrations. This cleansing process aims to be completed before the end of 2027. He also reminded registrants to bring government-issued IDs, specifying that barangay certifications and *cedulas* are not acceptable as proof of identity.

In a related matter, Garcia mentioned that they are closely monitoring the Mayon Volcano's activity ahead of the November 21 plebiscite in Naga City. He noted that no warnings have been issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) or the regional office, as Camarines Sur is located nearly three hours away from Legazpi, where the volcano is situated.

The plebiscite will require a budget of PHP50 million, with the Naga City government contributing PHP20 million and the Commission covering the remaining PHP30 million. Garcia affirmed Comelec's willingness to support the financial requirements for the plebiscite.