Comelec Spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco (left), Executive Director Teopisto Elnas (center), and Comelec Chairman George Garcia during a press briefing on Thursday (March 23, 2023). (PNA photo by Ferdinand Patinio)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday urged the over 43,000 registered voters in Barangay Muzon, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan province to participate in the March 25 plebiscite that will divide the mother barangay into four barangays.
According to Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, the poll body is ready to hold the plebiscite that will create Barangay Muzon Proper, Barangay Muzon East, Barangay Muzon West, and Barangay Muzon South.
“We hope that the residents in Barangay Muzon will participate. Hopefully, we will have the same number of voter turnout in previous plebiscites, especially last week in Marawi, we hope to achieve here as well,” he said in a press briefing on Thursday in Manila.
“We invite you to join us, with the Commission en banc, with the officials here at the main office as well as field officials of the Comelec in Region 3, Bulacan and San Jose del Monte,” the poll body official added.
Barangay Muzon has 43,771 total registered voters.
Laudiangco said the voting period will be from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in four polling centers.
These are San Jose Heights Elementary School, Pabahay Elementary School, Benito Nieto Elementary School and Muzon High School.
For his part, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they expect 80 percent voter turnout for Saturday’s electoral activity.
“Yes, (we expect high voter turnout), maybe 80 percent. We learned that the local government unit campaigned hard for this election, considering also that we heard no opposition to this plebiscite,” he said in a viber message.
At the same time, the poll body chief invited registered voters in Barangay Muzon to participate in the plebiscite.
“Every electoral exercise is an opportunity to highlight the vibrancy of our democracy. Our voices are heard. This is the essence of this plebiscite. We dictate what our future is. So go out and vote and proclaim to everyone that you are free,” he added.
On the other hand, Comelec Executive Director Teopisto Elnas said the final Command Conference for the plebiscite will be held on Friday.
“The final command conference will be held in San Jose del Monte in preparation for the plebiscite on Saturday to be participated in by the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, members of Department of Education and other stakeholders and the Comelec,” he said.
“All the ballots, forms and supplies are already in San Jose del Monte, the teachers are also ready for the conduct of the plebiscite,” the poll body official added. (PNA)
