Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco answers questions from members of the media during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum at Café Adriatico in Manila on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. (Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Aspirants for the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in certain areas would be allowed to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) in malls rather than in the offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said setting up receiving centers inside malls would decongest Comelec offices in places like Manila, which is expected to receive over 40,000 aspirants during the filing period from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.
He said Comelec plans to have separate mall venues per district in Manila for the COC filing, naming Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Manila, SM San Lazaro, and Robinsons Manila among the likely venues.
Earlier, Comelec said it plans to introduce voting inside malls in the upcoming elections.