The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 has announced that more than 318,000 voter applicants registered for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Central Visayas, surpassing the regional target by over 117,000 applicants. During a media forum, Comelec 7 Assistant Director Veronico Petalcorin stated that the voter registration period for the November 2, 2026 BSKE ended smoothly on Monday, May 18, without the overcrowding and confusion seen in previous elections.
Registration Exceeds Target
Comelec 7 recorded a total of 318,390 applicants, comprising 225,678 regular voter applicants and 92,712 SK voter applicants. This figure exceeded the regional target of 200,619 applicants, achieving a performance rating of 158.70 percent. For regular voters, the target was 144,383, but 225,678 registered, or 156.31 percent of the target. SK voter applicants also surpassed expectations, with 92,712 registering against a target of 56,236, or 164.86 percent.
Petalcorin attributed the increase to aggressive information campaigns by media organizations and expanded satellite registration activities in barangays. Cebu Province, including highly urbanized cities, posted the highest number of applicants with 248,594 registrants—177,156 regular voters and 71,438 SK applicants. Bohol recorded 69,796 applicants, including 48,522 regular voters and 21,274 SK applicants. Petalcorin noted that the figures were significant because Central Visayas now only covers Cebu and Bohol following the separation of Negros Oriental from the region. Many applicants were transfer registrants changing barangays or localities rather than entirely new voters, while the region's annual voter growth rate remained at around 1.5 percent.
Satellite Registration
Satellite registration activities in barangays increased participation by bringing services closer to communities, Petalcorin said. Mall registration activities also helped due to their convenience and air-conditioned venues, although only a few malls in Region 7 participated. Comelec 7 remains open to expanding mall voting and registration venues if more establishments agree to cooperate. Petalcorin also recalled that some registrants in previous elections expected transportation, food, and money from political groups.
He jokingly described the November 2 BSKE as "the most haunted election in Philippine history" because it coincides with All Souls' Day, although he acknowledged concerns over its possible effect on voter turnout and security operations during Undas.
Preparations Underway
Comelec 7 is coordinating with police authorities regarding deployment concerns, as many police officers are assigned to cemeteries during All Souls' Day observances. Barangay tanods and firefighters could instead help secure cemeteries to avoid reducing police visibility in voting centers, Petalcorin said. The commission also released the official election timeline for BSKE 2026. Filing of certificates of candidacy is scheduled from September 28 to October 5, while the campaign period will run from October 22 to October 31. The election period will be from October 3 to November 9, with the liquor ban on November 1 and Election Day on November 2. The deadline for filing Statements of Contributions and Expenditures is December 2.
Petalcorin reminded applicants that registration does not automatically guarantee voter status because all applications must still be approved by the Election Registration Board. Notices containing applicants' names will be posted until May 21, while the deadline for filing oppositions was moved from May 28 to May 25. Hearings on applications and oppositions are scheduled on June 1.
Concerns Over Residency, Vote-Buying
The public was urged to report applicants allegedly residing outside the barangays where they seek to register, with Petalcorin stressing that residency requirements ensure voters and candidates are genuinely connected to the communities they intend to serve. Complaints and oppositions must be filed physically because applicant lists will only be posted on official bulletin boards and not online to prevent tampering and misinformation on social media.
Petalcorin also noted that young voters continue to show strong interest in SK elections, especially in urban areas, although participation remains weaker in remote barangays where many residents study or work outside their hometowns. He defended the civil service eligibility granted to SK officials, saying public service experience has value. Vote-buying remains persistent in Philippine politics because poverty and weak political principles continue to make voters vulnerable to monetary influence, he said, urging voters, especially first-time voters, to become more discerning and avoid relying solely on misinformation online.
Comelec has yet to identify election hotspots because the filing of candidacies has not started. Barangay elections are often more volatile than local or national polls because candidates are usually relatives, neighbors, or members of rival clans, Petalcorin added. The Comelec 7 official also clarified that early public declarations of intent to run for office, including for the 2028 presidential race, are not prohibited by election laws because such statements remain expressions of intent until official candidacies are filed. A public official convicted in an impeachment trial would no longer be eligible to run for office, he added.
