Huge number of registrants noted in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - The office of the Commission on Elections in Mandaue City yesterday detected a significant increase in the number of registrants for the October 28 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections as compared to the last May 13 local elections.

Mandaue City election officer lawyer Fleur Ann Gujilde said that last Monday, the Comelec registered some 800 for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections and 300 for the barangay elections compared to the average of 100 daily during the last elections.

With this, it is expected that there will be an increase of 2,000 for the regular voters and 1,000 to 2,000 for the SK voters.

Based on the result of the last elections, there are 187,000 registered voters.

“The increase is due to the aggressiveness of barangay officials compared to their lukewarm attitude in the last elections,” Gujilde said.

The registration started last Monday and will last until July 31 which includes Saturdays and Sundays.

Those with ages 15 to 17 or those who will turn 17 by October 28, 2013 are qualified to register for the SK elections while those who will turn 18 on or before Election Day and those who failed to vote twice during two successive elections excluding the latest one, can register for the barangay elections.

According to Gujilde what is required from the applicant is a valid company ID with his/her picture and signature and signed by the company official.

In the absence of a valid ID, the applicant may present his/her birth certificate or baptismal certificate. (FREEMAN)