Caloocan plebiscite set on August 31

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the plebiscite in Caloocan City on August 31, 2024 for the division of Barangay 176 or Barangay Bagong Silang, known as the most populous barangay in the Philippines, into six barangays.

Based on Resolution No. 11007, the Comelec en Banc said the plebiscite is slated to ratify the law that divides Barangay 176 into Barangays 176-A, 176-B, 176-C, 176-D, 176-E, and 176-F as proposed under Republic Act No. 11993.

Barangay Bagong Silang, known as the most populous barangay in the country, has a population of 261,729, as of 2020.

The plebiscite period will run from August 1 to September 7, 2024.

During the plebiscite period, it is prohibited to bear or carry firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, transfer or detail officers and employees in the civil service, organize or maintain reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces; suspend local elective officials; and coerce, threaten, intimidate, or terrorize any election official or employee in the performance of his functions or duties.

On the other hand, the Information and Campaign Period shall be from August 1 to August 29, 2024.

During this period, it is prohibited to remove or destroy or tamper lawful plebiscite propaganda; use armored /land/water/aircraft; raise funds through dances, lotteries, cockfights, etc.; vote-buying and vote-selling; and wager upon result of the plebiscite.

The poll body said that on the eve of the plebiscite, it is prohibited to campaign, sell or buy or serve intoxicating liquor; and give or accept free transportation, foods, drinks, and things of value.

On plebiscite day, the casting of votes will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., while the counting and canvassing of votes shall begin at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively.