Voter registration resumes on Feb. 12. Here's what you need to know
The voter registration for the May 2025 elections will resume on Feb. 12 and will run until Sept. 30, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said. Additionally, it will also implement its Register Anywhere Program (RAP).
Comelec said that it will accept registrants from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including Saturdays and holidays, except when declared by the poll body and on March 28, 29, and 30 (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday).
Comelec chairman George Garcia said that they are expecting 3 million applicants this year, which is why they want to make it convenient for people to register through RAP.
Through this program, qualified voters may go to any RAP site—which can be found in malls, universities, and government offices/agencies—regardless of their place of residence, and submit their application form and other requirements, and have their biometrics data collected.
“This means that if you are in Manila from Bicol or the Visayas or Mindanao, you can get registered where you are studying or working. You don’t need to go home to the provinces,” Garcia said.
RAP sites will accept applications for new registration; transfer of registration from another city, municipality, or district; transfer of registration from overseas to local; correction of entries or change of status; and reactivation.
It will be available until Aug. 31.
What are the requirements?
Garcia said they would release amended guidelines on voter registration soon.
Apart from the application form, which is available for free via its website or at the Office of the Election Officer, a registrant must present a valid ID to establish identity. However, Garcia noted that company ID will no longer be accepted.
The following are valid identification documents:
- Philippine Identification Card (PhilID)
- Postal ID
- PWD Discount ID
- Student's ID or library card, signed by the school authority
- Senior Citizen's ID
- Driver's license
- NBI clearance
- Passport
- SSS/GSIS ID
- Integrated Bar of the Philippine (IBP) ID
- License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
- Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in case of members of ICCs or IPs
In case these are not available, the registrant may ask any registered voter of the precinct where they intend to be registered, or any relative within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to identify them under oath.