The Department of the Interior and Local Government has instructed the cities of Makati and Taguig to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in poll-related matters ahead of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October.
In a memorandum, the DILG instructed the two city governments to provide Comelec with assistance and support on election matters—including the venue for filing of certificates of candidacy; residency requirements; and locations of polling places—in ten barangays that are the subject of a Supreme Court decision transferring them from Makati to Taguig.
In 2021, the SC ruled that the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation, consisting of parcels 3 and 4, psu-2031 was part of the territory of Taguig.
The SC later denied Makati’s motion for reconsideration in 2022 and an appeal to file a second motion for reconsideration in 2023.
Comelec Chair George Garcia said that voters in the affected barangays will not need to re-register for the upcoming elections.
Garcia said that the voters from the barangays formerly declared as part of Makati City will be automatically transferred to Taguig City.
“Kung sakali po ay walang problema naman kasi automatically transferred lahat [sila] sa Taguig. Ilipat lang po namin ang database,” he said.
The period for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2023 BSKE will run from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run from October 19 to October 28 only. Election day is October 30. — BM, GMA Integrated News
