SENATOR Nancy Binay expressed her bewilderment over the recent surge in voter registrants and transferees in Makati City, despite the transfer of 10 barangays to Taguig City. The senator questioned the Commission on Elections (Comelec) about the unusual increase during a Senate plenary session on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Binay pointed out that the addition of nearly 57,000 new voters seemed incongruous given the relocation of the barangays. “Is there any action the Comelec can implement to ensure a clean voters list for the 2025 elections?” she asked in Filipino.
Senator Imee Marcos, sponsor of the proposed Comelec budget for 2025, acknowledged the unusual increase, stating that Comelec officials also found the numbers “quite unusual.” Marcos informed Binay that the Comelec has already established a task force to investigate the matter, focusing on the use of barangay certifications in Makati City. She indicated that barangay certificates may no longer be accepted as valid identification for voter registration in the future.
The senator’s concerns highlight the importance of maintaining a clean and accurate voter registry for fair and credible elections. The Comelec’s investigation into the voter surge in Makati City will be closely watched as the country prepares for the 2025 elections.
