BARANGAY MERGER PLEBISCITE. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Erwin Garcia delivers his reminders and message for the barangay merger plebiscite in a video message during the final joint security command conference in Bacoor City on Monday (July 24, 2023). He urged the law enforcement and polling staff to help members of the vulnerable sector as they join the plebiscite on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Comelec)
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reiterated that the information drive for the barangay merger plebiscite in Bacoor, Cavite will end on July 27.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco made the statement following the final joint security command conference for the plebiscite in Bacoor City.
"Plebiscite day po is July 29 at bawal na po mag-info campaign ng July 28 and 29 (The plebiscite day is on July 29, and information campaign is prohibited on July 28 and 29)," he told reporters in a Viber message.
Pursuant to city ordinance No. 275-2023, voters will have to decide on the merging of 44 barangays and the renaming of five other barangays in Bacoor.
The supposed ratification intends to improve barangay programs and services through the merging of smaller barangays.
The Comelec said around 114,416 registered voters from 49 barangays are expected to join the plebiscite.
Voters may cast their voters from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at 22 designated voting sites in the city.
The Comelec said official polling centers are Bacoor National High School (Annex), Poblacion Elementary School, Bacoor Elementary School, Digman Elementary School, Sineguelasan Elementary School, Mabolo Elementary School, Maliksi Elementary School, Mambog Elementary School, evacuation center with covered court, Real Elementary School, Silverhomes I covered court and multi-purpose hall/day care center, Salinas Elementary School, City of Bacoor National High School-Salinas, Aniban Elementary School, Ligas II Elementary School, Ligas I Elementary School, Niog Elementary School, Gov. P.F. Espiritu Elementary School, Perpetual Village V covered court and multi-purpose hall, Talaba Elementary School, Zapote Elementary School, and Longos Elementary School.
Meanwhile, the Comelec on Monday called on the city government and law enforcement to assist the members of the vulnerable sector while they cast their votes.
In a video message, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said election authorities and staff should focus on securing convenient voting for elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWD).
"Kapag nagampanan natin nang maayos ang ating buong lakas na tulong, masasabi nating successful ang gagawin nating pagkakaroon ng plebisito (If we make this happen through our all-out assistance, we can say that we will have a successful plebiscite)," he said.
Once the majority of the votes go in favor of Yes, the affected 49 barangays shall be merged and dropped into 23, resulting in an overall 50 barangays, lower compared to the current 73 barangays in Bacoor. (PNA)
