ILOILO City – This city’s registered voter population for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) has surged to 306,367, with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) expecting the figure to rise further as the May 18 voter registration deadline draws near.
The updated tally came after the Election Registration Board (ERB) completed hearings and consolidation of voter records covering applications filed from Jan. 5 to March 31, 2026, according to Pinky Jevini G. Tentativa and the Commission on Elections.
Based on Comelec-Iloilo City data, the ERB processed 11,835 applications during the period, including oppositions raised against 131 registrants whose barangay residency was questioned.
Following deliberations, the board disapproved 59 applications due to filed oppositions.
The voter list was also cleaned up through the Voter Registration System (VRS), which included the removal and deactivation of deceased voters, transferred voters, and individuals with double or multiple registrations identified through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
Comelec data showed that 481 registration records were cancelled due to death, 142 were deleted because of transfers to other cities or municipalities, while 234 records were removed following AFIS verification results.
“Thus, as of April 21, 2026 ERB hearing, Iloilo City now has 306,367 registered voters,” Comelec-Iloilo City said.
Election officials said the number is still expected to increase with continuing voter registration activities across the city.
Comelec-Iloilo City also announced that it will conduct special satellite voter registration activities on Tuesday, May 12, for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Barangay Ungka, Jaro district, as well as at Sisters and Beneficiaries of Asilo de Molo.
“Comelec-Iloilo City ensures full access to voter registration processes for our PDLs and those under medical care and spiritual support in a charitable institution. It remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusivity – the very foundation of a fair society and the heartbeat of a vibrant democracy,” the office said.
Comelec-Iloilo City has also intensified its satellite registration drives, including a recent registration activity at CityMall Parola on May 9, while urging unregistered residents to sign up before the May 18 deadline for the Nov. 2, 2026 BSKE./PN
