3 weeks ago
22
TAGAYTAY CITY — Mall goers here can now vote without going to the traditional precinct location in school following the launch by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of the "Mall Voting Program" on Friday.
However, only one mall in Cavite province — the Fora Filinvest Mall — passed the Comelec guidelines to conduct polling at the mall in the May 12 election, according to Mitzelle Veron Morales-Castro.
VOTING PRECINCT IN CAVITE MALL Mitzelle Veron Morales-Castro, provincial election supervisor of Comelec Cavite, and Wesley Villanueva, AVP and general manager of Fora Mall in Cavite, hold their copies of a memorandum of agreement allowing more than 4,000 registered voters in two Tagaytay City barangay to cast their ballots inside the mall on May 12, 2025. PHOTO BY DENNIS ABRINA
By allowing the polling inside a mall, voters will be afforded some comforts like cool surroundings, unlike in school, when the weather is hot.
John Angelo Medina, Tagaytay election officer, said voting will begin at 7 a.m. in the said mall.
This initiative aims to make the voting process more accessible and convenient, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other voters seeking a comfortable alternative to traditional polling places.
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The official signing ceremony marked a significant step in expanding voter accessibility. Wesley Villanueva, assistant vice president (AVP) and general manager of Fora Mall, and Morales-Castro, provincial election supervisor of Comelec Cavite, formalized the collaboration, reinforcing their shared commitment to increasing voter participation.
More convenient voting process
As one of nine additional malls participating in the 2025 national and local elections, Fora Mall's voting precinct at the Main Activity Center, Upper Ground Floor, North Wing, will operate during standard election hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on May 12.
This will accommodate 4,908 registered voters from two barangay — Silang Junction North and South.
"Fora Mall is proud to stand with Comelec in upholding the right to vote," said Villanueva.
"By opening our doors as a voting precinct for the 2025 elections, we're making it easier for our community to exercise this fundamental right. We're committed to providing a convenient and accessible space so that every eligible voter in Tagaytay City can participate in this important civic duty," added Villanueva.
Strengthening civic engagement at Fora Mall through its participation in the Mall Voting Program, Fora Mall continues to be a key partner in community-building initiatives, strengthening civic engagement and ensuring that essential services reach the public efficiently.
