With the 2025 midterm elections drawing near, Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday rallied the Filipino youth to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to be able to vote in the coming electoral exercise.

In a statement, Romualdez emphasized that registering as a voter is not merely a preparation to perform a civic duty but more importantly, an act that empowers the youth to make their voices heard to effect change.

“The youth are the backbone of our nation’s future. Their active participation in the upcoming elections is crucial in ensuring that their concerns, aspirations, and vision for the country are represented and addressed by our leaders,” he said.

He also urged young Filipinos to seize the opportunity to make a difference and help shape the direction of the nation.

“The youth’s involvement in the electoral process is instrumental in building a stronger, more inclusive democracy and ensuring a brighter future for future generations,” he said.

Last Feb. 12, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) opened the period of registration for the 2025 mid-term elections. Registration will be held Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays (except March 28-30), until Sept. 30.

Under the Comelec’s Register Anywhere Program, applicants may register in any of the poll body’s designated registration sites which include Comelec offices and satellite sites, malls, and special registration areas such as certain churches and plazas.

According to recent data from the Comelec, there has been a significant surge in voter registration among the youth demographic. However, the poll body sees a sizable portion of eligible young voters who have yet to register.

As part of his advocacy, Romualdez said he will launch a series of voter registration drives and awareness campaigns targeting educational institutions, youth organizations, and communities nationwide.

“These initiatives will provide resources, information, and assistance to facilitate the registration process for young voters,” he said.

Comelec expects some three million Filipinos to register as new voters ahead of the 2025 elections.

For the recent 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the Comelec has recorded 91,912,429 registered voters in 201,799 clustered precincts and 37,524 voting centers. (PNA)