In a move to enhance voter convenience, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bicol has entered into a partnership with Ayala Malls. The agreement, signed on February 21, 2025, at Ayala Mall in Legazpi City, Albay, will allow 1,016 registered voters from Barangay Lapu-Lapu to cast their votes in the upcoming May elections within the comfort of the shopping mall. This initiative is part of Comelec’s ongoing efforts to improve the voting process for the 2025 national and local elections, as stated by Comelec 5 Director Maria Juana Valeza. The mall voting arrangement comes at no additional cost to Comelec, as Ayala Malls will cover all expenses related to setting up the voting precinct. This is particularly beneficial for voters who would otherwise face the challenging conditions of high temperatures expected to reach a heat index of 52 degrees during the election period. Additionally, Comelec is working with law enforcement to ensure safety and order in remote and high-risk areas. This follows a successful pilot of mall voting in SM Legazpi City during the 2022 elections.
