Voting Precincts In The Philippines

The Philippines has been using public schools as voting precincts during the second Monday of May as mandated by the Constitution. With polls conducted in public schools, violence due to lack of security, impatient voters because of long lines, overcrowding and discomfort since the number of classrooms are not enough for the increasing number of voters are the usual scenarios during elections. In line with this, the lawmakers should consider the possibility of legalizing the use of malls as voting precincts because majority of the people support the idea, the country follows an out-of-date law and malls offer a lot of benefits.
More people would be willing to exercise their right to suffrage if the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will enhance their voting experience. In an online survey conducted by the COMELEC, eighty three percent of Filipino voters were in

The malls are equipped with air conditioning units, parking area, transport terminals, company nurses and many other facilities which public schools cannot provide. All these amenities adds convenience to voters especially to persons with disability (PWD) and the elderly. Also, malls can ensure the safety of voters. Not only because a large number of guards highly secure the place but also they have installed closed-circuit televisions or CCTV cameras inside to monitor all the activities done. They can be able to easily deal with illegal actions during elections and avoid any untoward incidents. In addition to that, the COMELEC will deploy Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in the vicinity. Tight security will avoid election reported violence such as threatening and killing of Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) and bombing of sites during elections. Before entering the malls, people always undergo bag and body inspections which will prevent bringing of firearms, knives or any harmful