Low turnout in Mabalacat cityhood plebiscite
MABALACAT, Pampanga, Philippines – Only about 20 percent of 83,564 registered voters here went to polling precincts for the cityhood plebiscite yesterday, an election official said.
“The issue is not really as hot when there are no personalities involved, so only about 20 percent cast their votes,” Comelec municipal supervisor Francisco David said.
David also cited the rains that prevailed during the voting period from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mayor Marino Morales expressed confidence that majority of the 20 percent who cast their votes were in favor of the 300-year-old town’s cityhood.
President Aquino signed last month Republic Act 10164 declaring Mabalacat as Pampanga’s third city after Angeles and San Fernando.
“Cityhood means that from our P529 million annually, our internal revenue allotment would be increased to P900 million,” Morales said.
“There will be no new taxes or increase of existing taxes for the next five years of cityhood. Even after five years, taxes need not be raised nor new ones imposed,” he added.
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