Cuenco: Rosalina part of Guadalupe

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City south district Representative Antonio Cuenco yesterday told the court that Rosalina Village is part of Barangay Guadalupe based reportedly on a survey conducted by a geodetic engineer he commissioned before passing the bill to split the barangay.

In yesterday’s hearing on the complaint filed by Labangon Councilman Victor Buendia, Cuenco said he studied his proposal very carefully and undertook all precautionary measures, including hiring Engr. Leopoldo Tuastumban.

Tuastumban had complained after he learned that Rosalina Village, where he lives, will be affected by the proposed split and will disenfranchise him because he is not a registered voter of Guadalupe.

The court already issued a 20-day non-extendible Temporary Restraining Order against the conduct of a plebiscite, which was originally scheduled last Saturday.

While the court is yet to render its ruling, Cuenco said he is optimistic that the plebiscite will push through because the survey has established that Rosalina Village is part of barangay Guadalupe.

Tuastumban told the court the boundary monuments would show that Rosalina Village is indeed part of Guadalupe.

Cuenco also told the court that 42 residents of Rosalina Village have signed a manifesto, stating their intention to be part of the plebiscite even if they are not registered in Guadalupe.

However, Comelec South District Officer Edwin Cadungog said residents of the village would not be allowed to participate in the plebiscite and will no longer be allowed to transfer from Labangon to Guadalupe.

Cadungog said that based on the law, no changes in registration of voters should be made 120 days before the election, which, is scheduled on May 10 this year. 

Cadungog admitted earlier that residents of Rosalina Village had been allowed to register as voters of either barangay Labangon or Guadalupe. – AJ A. de la Torre/JMO   FREEMAN NEWS)