The conveners of the proposed Barangay Pagla-um in Bacolod City said they have complied with the requirements set by the Office of the Executive Director for Operations of the Commission on Elections for holding a plebiscite on December 15 for the ratification of the creation of the barangay.

The group led by Gemeno Ymballa, Ragem Ymballa, Teodulo Cario, Merma Bayona, Joshua Repique, Virgilio Leeping and some residents of Pagla-um held a press conference yesterday to clarify insinuations that they are to blame for the re-setting of the plebiscite next year.

Ymballa said they have complied with the documentary requirements and filed them on Nov. 5.  

The COMELEC en banc, however, has reset the plebiscite after the mid-term election for the alleged failure of their group to submit the population requirement and the affidavit of publication and the fact that it is occupied with preparations for the mid-term elections, he added.

He said there were insinuations that somebody derailed the conduct of the plebiscite and that there is an alleged conspiracy.

He said they are asking Councilor Caesar Distrito, the proponent of the ordinance,  to continue helping them.

They hope the COMELEC will reconsider their position and see the compliance of the group on the matter, he said.

Meanwhile, Distritro said he does care if they have ill feelings towards him because of the stalled plebiscite but what is important is that he has done his job.

He said the supposed creation of “Barangay Paglaum” had already been stalled in the last 25 years and it was only this year that it was given priority by the Sangguniang Panlugnsod through his committee and the administration of Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

He is neither pro or anti in the supposed plebiscite and had maintained his neutrality despite the fact that he is the major proponent of the calls for the creation of the city's 62nd barangay, Distrito said.

“We will make the people as the sole judge and let decide on the issue and not the elected officials of Bacolod,” Distrito said.

Distrito said he and Bacolod Elections Registrar Mavil Majarucon-Sia went to the central office of COMELEC to inquire how much the city will spend for the conduct of a plebiscite. He said the only obligation of the SP and the city government is to pass an ordinance and provide funds for the electoral process.

Distrito said there are some sectors trying to muddle the issue of the plebiscite in Barangay Mansilingan for their own political agenda.*CGS

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