Comelec to continue voter registration in Middle East amid tensions

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said it will continue voter registration activities at Philippine embassies and consulates in the Middle East amid ongoing tensions.

In a statement, Comelec said registration will proceed as “Philippine foreign posts remain operational and open for consular services, including overseas voter registration.”

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Amid the ongoing crisis, Comelec urged Filipinos in the Middle East to “stay alert and updated on the situation in their areas, be vigilant against misinformation and disinformation, trust only reliable sources, follow notices and advisories from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, and contact helplines if in distress.”

Over one million Filipinos are directly or indirectly affected, with the Department of Migrant Workers reporting more than 1.113 million land-based overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East in 2025.

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Tensions in the Middle East escalated over the weekend after airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran’s military facilities. In retaliation, Tehran launched drone and missile attacks against Israel and U.S. bases.

Meanwhile, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the poll body had processed 18,454 voter applications as of February 1, 2026. Overseas voter registration will continue until September 30, 2027. /mcm