The MOA signing ceremony was attended by COMELEC Chairman George Garcia, Commissioner Rey E. Bulay, key COMELEC officials, and SM Supermalls executives led by Vice President for Mall Operations Junias Eusebio and Assistant Vice President Royston Cabunag. The event highlighted the continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to enhance democratic participation through innovative approaches that meet the evolving needs of voters across the country.
In his remarks, SM Supermalls VP for Mall Operations, Mr. Junias Eusebio, noted the remarkable growth of the partnership since its inception. He recalled that during the 2023 BSKE, only six SM malls participated in the Mall Voting Program, while in the 2025 National and Local Elections, 20 malls successfully hosted voter registration and voting activities. Looking ahead, 23 SM malls are already scheduled to serve as voter registration sites, with additional locations expected to be added up to May 2026. He also highlighted the success of the special registration held in August 2025, when 47 sites nationwide were opened to voters, enabling over 2.8 million Filipinos to register in just 10 days.
“These numbers are a testament not only to the steady expansion of the program but also to the public’s strong preference for safe, organized, and accessible venues where they can exercise their right to vote,” Mr. Eusebio emphasized. “The partnership between COMELEC and SM Supermalls shows that when the public and private sectors work hand in hand, we can modernize the voting experience and empower citizens to participate fully in the democratic process.”
COMELEC officials expressed their appreciation for SM Supermalls’ ongoing support, noting the tangible benefits of mall-based voter services. These venues provide senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant voters, and first-time youth voters with comfortable, well-lit, and highly accessible locations to register and vote. The initiative aligns with COMELEC’s broader goal of enhancing voter accessibility and participation, particularly during the early stages of the electoral cycle, as evidenced by the high registration turnout in recent months.
Through this renewed agreement, selected SM malls nationwide will continue to serve as voter registration centers and Mall Voting sites, contributing to increased voter turnout and an overall improved election experience for communities. The partnership underscores a shared mission: bringing essential voter services closer to the public while encouraging every Filipino to actively engage in the country’s democratic processes.
The MOA signing marks another milestone in the longstanding collaboration between COMELEC and SM Supermalls, demonstrating how innovation, accessibility, and civic responsibility can intersect. Representatives from both organizations posed for a ceremonial photo following the signing, symbolizing their continued dedication to modernizing voter services and fostering inclusive participation for all Filipino citizens.
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