Shortage of teachers for October polls

CEBU, Philippines – As the number of voters per precinct will be reverted to the old 300 instead of the 1,000 per cluster used in the automated elections last May, Cebu Provincial Election Officer Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano said they are expecting a shortage of teachers for this October's barangay elections.

"If ever lack ang teachers, which is a usual trend during election period, the third member of the Board of Election Inspector could be a government employee or someone who is a qualified voter," he said.

With the changes in the clustering of precincts, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Jose Ribomapil Holganza Jr. said they are still in a quandary on whether what voters' list would be used.

"According to the Comelec there is a re-clustering but I still don't have the idea if what ang arrangement, kung same ba gihapon during the 2007 election and the new voter's list wala pa sad kay naa man jud nay changes," Holganza told The FREEMAN.

Moreover, Holganza cited another problem that they are facing.

Until now, the Commission on Elections offices still do not have forms for the certificates of candidacy.

The filing of these certificates would be from October 1 to 13.

Holganza also said they hope that by October 15, authorities could already determine the election hot spots.

"There might be tension in some areas because of political rivalry, but not as many and not as bad as past elections. Gubot man jud all ends sa island from North to South and it is unfair to name other towns since the data is not yet sufficient," he said.

Castillano confirmed that there are 15 localities that need to be monitored but he refused to divulge the names of these places as there might be some changes. (FREEMAN)