Comelec says Barangay residency certificate, cedula not valid IDs

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not accept a barangay certificate of residency and cedula (community tax certificate) as proof of identity for voter registration.

In an interview on Thursday, Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia said the poll body had uncovered cases in which barangay officials issued certificates to individuals who were not actual residents in the areas under their jurisdiction.

“We have found that some individuals used these [documents], which we are investigating and which are now the subject of cases before the Comelec,” he added.

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Garcia advised voter registration applicants to use other valid identification documents such as a passport, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, police clearance, National ID, postal ID and driver’s license.

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READ: Comelec to reopen voter registration on Nov. 10 for 2028 polls

The Comelec will also accept a library card, student ID and senior citizen’s ID, provided these bear the applicant’s name, photograph and address, he said.

The poll body earlier announced on its Facebook page that the electronic Philippine Identification (e-PhilID) card is valid when presented through the eGov app.

The Comelec will resume voter registration on Tuesday, Nov. 10, allowing prospective and registered voters to register or update their records ahead of the 2028 national and local elections.

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READ: Comelec targets 3M additional voters for 2028 polls

RAP relaunch

The registration period will run until July 30, 2027, from Tuesdays to Fridays, including Saturdays and holidays when registration activities are scheduled.

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The Comelec is also set to relaunch its Special Registration Anywhere and Anytime Program (RAP) on Nov. 10 to make the process more accessible to Filipinos who are unable to take time off from work.

Under the RAP, registration services will be available at selected locations, including airports, hospitals and data centers.

Garcia said the early registration period would also give the Comelec enough time to finalize and clean up the voters’ list, print the official lists and allow candidates to verify the registered electorate ahead of the 2028 elections.

According to him, the poll body wants to ensure that those who file their certificates of candidacy are registered voters “so there will be no question about their eligibility to vote.”

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The Comelec is targeting at least three million additional registered voters before the 2028 polls, bringing the total number to 74 million. —With PNA report