MANILA — More than 36,000 individuals filed applications nationwide on Tuesday, the first day of the resumption of voter registration for the 2028 national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Based on Comelec data, a total of 36,124 applications were received across the country.

Calabarzon recorded the highest number of applicants at 8,161, followed by the National Capital Region with 6,741 and Central Luzon with 4,456. Central Visayas logged 2,132 applications.

The poll body also received 336 applications through its Register Anywhere Program.

Of the applications filed, 11,601 were for new voter registration and 3,141 were for reactivation of registration records.

Another 12,255 applicants sought to transfer their registration from another city or municipality, while 1,929 applied for transfers within the same city or municipality.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia described the opening day of the registration drive as successful.

“A very successful first day. The number of people who lined up and showed such patience is truly remarkable,” Garcia said in a phone interview Wednesday.

The nationwide registration period will run until July 30, 2027. Comelec said the nine-month registration window will be the final opportunity for voters to register before the 2028 presidential elections.

The registration drive covers new voters, those seeking to transfer or reactivate their records, and individuals with other registration-related concerns.

(Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)