The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has formed partnerships with ten malls across the country to conduct a trial run of mall-based voting for the upcoming Barangay (Village) and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Among these malls are SM City Legazpi in Albay, SM Consolacion in Cebu, SM City North Edsa in Quezon City, SM Manila in Ermita, SM City Sucat in Paranaque, Robinsons in Pasig, Robinsons Place in Ermita, Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Robinsons Place in Las Pinas, and Robinsons Galleria in Cebu City.
According to Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, SM Supermalls, and Robinsons have generously offered their facilities for the BSKE without any charges. Mall personnel will also assist on election day to ensure a smooth and orderly process.
During a public briefing, Laudiangco stated, “Their support in facilitating the election process will contribute to its peaceful execution, and the government won’t incur any additional expenses.”
The beneficiaries of this mall voting initiative will be the registered voters residing in the nearby villages surrounding these malls. However, it’s important to note that not all registered voters will be voting at these malls. Laudiangco emphasized that the law mandates consultation with voters before transferring voting centers.
The scheduled date for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections is October 30th. (ai/mnm)
