‘Embo’ residents can vote, run for Congress, if…

MANILA, Philippines — Registered voters from the 10 enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays, which are now part of Taguig, can cast their votes and can even run in the congressional race next year, the Commission on Elections said yesterday.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said unless restrained by the court, voters from the embo barangays could elect their preferred congressman.

“We are waiting for a resolution from Congress to decide on this, but the guiding principle is that there should be no disenfranchisement of voters,” Garcia said.

The House of Representatives has adopted a resolution to include the 10 embo barangays in the two legislative districts of Taguig.

The passage of a similar resolution in the Senate escalated into a shouting match between Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Juan Miguel Zubiri on Tuesday.

Garcia said the Comelec would immediately act on the matter upon receipt of the resolutions approved by the Senate and House of Representatives.

He said congressional aspirants from the embo barangays may file their certificates of candidacy from Oct. 1 to 8.

But if there is a temporary restraining order, the 300,000 registered voters from the embo barangays would not be able to elect their congressman.

Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano thanked Senate President Francis Escudero, Speaker Martin Romualdez, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe and Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co for the passage of the resolution, protecting the voting rights of the embo residents.

The Comelec also adopted a resolution approved by the Taguig government, including the embo barangays in the city’s two legislative districts.

Garcia, however, clarified that the resolution does not cover the issue on whether embo residents could vote for a House representative.

After due deliberation, the Comelec adopted Ordinance No. 144, which also increased the city council’s seat from eight to 12. – Christine Boton