Poll registration extension sought
Just as the registration for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections ended yesterday, Senator Bam Aquino has called on the Commission on Elections for an extension.
But Cebu City North District election officer Marchel Sarno said no extension will be given. He said five months was enough for the would-be voters to register.
"Wala na. Di na namo i-extend kay in fact, diri sa Cebu ray daghan kaayong nagparehistro. Sa ubang dapit wala naman," Sarno said.
Aquino said that while he is open to allow incumbent barangay officials to stay on holdover capacity, but he is opposed to postponing the SK elections.
He said that the alleged involvement of many barangay officials in the illegal drug trade should not be a reason to deprive the voters of their right to elect their leaders.
"Importante na ang mamamayan ang pipili ng kanilang mga pinuno sa barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan," said Aquino.
The senator said that the government should investigate and prosecute barangay officials involved in the illegal drug trade and launch an information drive to help the people make an informed choice.
"Huwag nating alisin sa ating mga kababayan ang karapatang mamili ng mga susunod na lider ng kanilang mga komunidad. While we are open to issuing a holdover status for previously elected barangay officials, let's make sure our SK elections push through," he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed his intention to defer the holding of the barangay and SK elections because of the drug problem in the barangays. The president is apprehensive that drug lords will support a candidate.
Sarno said the president's preference has affected the registration turnout.
"Nagkagamay ang nagparegister. Naapektuhan gyud,” Sarno said.
Since November until April 21, at least 156, 674 citizens from Bohol, Cebu and Siquijor have registered.
In Talisay City, over 200 people trooped to the Comelec office yesterday to beat the deadline.
Election Assistant April Mae Gamboa said that they have served 256 registrants since they opened at 8 a.m. She explained that it was manageable considering that they have conducted several offsite registrations.