22,478 new voters registered in city

CEBU, Philippines - From July 22 to 31, the south district was able to record 13,094 total registrations where 2,803 were transfers from another municipality or city.

North District had a total of 9,384 registrations as for the entire 10-day period, a little over the 8,000 target according to north district election officer Marchel Sarno.

“With almost 3,000 transfers, that’s abnormal. This is not usual because you still have your right to suffrage. There must be some reason behind the transfer to adjacent barangay,” Cebu City South District election officer Edwin Cadungog said, adding that this could be a ground for disqualification should an opposition be filed before the Election Registration Board.

Unlike the 2010 barangay and SK registration, Comelec observed that this year had an unexpectedly huge turnout.

“Compared to 2010, this is more in terms of number of people. In 2010, we had a longer period for registration than in 2013. Perhaps this is because of different political alignment. Despite being non-partisan in nature, it is undeniable that barangay elections get political alignment,” Cadungog yesterday told reporters.

Sarno agreed with Cadungog and attributed the turnout to the intense rivalry between Team Rama and the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan.

Unlike other places in the country, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan registrations in Cebu City ended without any major problem despite the huge crowd turnout and a number of registrants sent home shortly before midnight.

“Pasalamat ta sa PNP especially sa Station 3 chief Wildemar Tiu nga naa dayon to cooperate despite sa dali-dali nga decision to convince sa mga tawo. Thank you sad sa city government sa ilang support. Ug wala pa sila, wala’y tabang sa augment sa personnel sa pagpalinya wa pa sila nagpatawag ug meetings in preparation how to conduct pagpalinya sa atong registrants especially sa last day of registration, I believe magkagubot gyud parehas sa Manila,” Sarno said.

On the last night of registration, forms of those who did not finish the last two steps —biometrics data capturing and application number assignment— were collected by Comelec and assisting police officials as instructed by Sarno.

“I think if we will exceed more than 12 midnight, that would mean another day. We are not permitted to amend the rules nga gi-promulgate sa en banc. But rest assured, I will refer this to the commission en banc and to our higher-ups like provincial election supervisor Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano and our regional director Atty. Temie Lambino as to how we will deal with those who did not make finish the registration process. We collect them (filled-out forms) in anticipation to whatever the decision of Comelec Manila. If they will say these will be encoded, then we will heed,” Sarno told reporters on the night of the deadline.

Sarno again asked for understanding from city registrants, especially those who did not make it to the final step of the process, recognizing the limitations of their office in terms of capturing machines and manpower.

Janine Monterona from Barangay Apas said their group had been at the Plaza Independencia as early as 2 a.m. last Wednesday after hearing that stamps will be given as early as midnight.

“Kami didto gapundo na gyud mi didto. Wala na gyud milihok ang linya. Ingon sila giuna daw ang south. Ga-suffer pud mi didto …Perte namong hulat. Ang taga-south ilang giuna. Kaming taga-north perteng hulat, suffer gyud mi. Alas dos pa mi sa kadlawon diri galinya na mi tungod anang reserve-reserve unya nadugay mi,” Monterona said.

She further alleged that seats were offered for P50 coordinated by someone from a certain barangay.

With her form collected by Comelec, she hoped that the agency gives them a certification as proof of registration.

“Wala gyud mi certification nga naka-rehistro mi. Mayntag padayunon nila bisan lang untag two days lang. Mahurot lang gyud mi nga nabilin, kaming mga naa’y tatak. Bahalag dili mi mangaligo. Musugot ra gyud mi mupaabot. Alas 8 pa ni sa buntag ang stamp namo,” she added.

Tiu and officers from Waterfront Police Station helped Comelec in collecting the forms ensuring no occurrence of untoward incidence.

“In fifteen minutes, we were able to disperse the crowd of about 500 after finishing collection of forms from 11:45 in the evening up to 12:04 in the morning. Fortunately, no commotion arose and it was executed in an orderly manner,” Tiu said.

Also helping in the crowd and traffic control during the registration was the City Traffic Operations Management which deployed enforcers and a standby vehicle, and personnel of the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement and Market Authority office led by Raquel Arce. (FREEMAN)