By CESAR JOLITO III
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will reopen voter registration nationwide starting Monday, October 20 until May 18, 2026, in preparation for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) set for November 2, 2026 — or possibly sooner if the Supreme Court orders a reversal of the postponement.
Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said the Comelec central office has issued a resolution to continue voter registration despite uncertainties surrounding the final election schedule.
“This registration period will be open to all — first-time voters, transfers, reactivations, and those requesting corrections of entries,” Ananoria said.
To improve accessibility, Comelec offices across Negros Occidental will operate from Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Additional satellite registration centers will be established in select barangays and local government facilities.
“The election officers in each locality have already released their schedules. Some will even open satellite offices to make it easier for applicants to register,” Ananoria added.
Comelec also announced stricter ID requirements for registrants.
Barangay certificates and company-issued IDs will no longer be accepted as proof of residence.
Only valid government-issued IDs will be honored.
However, those without valid IDs may bring a registered voter from the same area to vouch for their residency.
Possible changes ahead
While the registration proceeds as planned, Comelec remains on alert for any legal developments.
Ananoria said the commission continues to prepare for the possibility of elections being held earlier, pending the outcome of petitions filed before the Supreme Court questioning the constitutionality of the election postponement.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed the law on August 13, moving the BSKE to November 2026 and extending the term of incumbent barangay and SK officials to four years.
However, critics argue that the delay undermines the people’s right to regularly elect their local leaders./CJ, WDJ