To stop abuses, Comelec nixes requiring barangay certificates for voter registration

Local

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cebu has announced that barangay certificates will no longer be accepted as a requirement for voter registration in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on December 1, 2025.

Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Marchel Sarno made the clarification as the poll body gears up for the 11-day registration period from July 1 to 11, covering new voters, transferees, and those seeking reactivation or correction of records.

Sarno said the removal of barangay certificates from the list of requirements is intended to address reports of manipulation and partisan influence in previous elections.

“We received reports nga gi-abusar ang barangay certificate. Gihimong pamaagi para malukat o mailisan ang lugar sa botante bisan walay klarong rason. That won’t be allowed anymore,” Sarno said in an interview

Instead, voters are expected to bring valid government-issued IDs with their complete address, or any acceptable proof of residency, to establish eligibility.

Sarno emphasized that the change aims to create a more impartial and secure voter registration process, free from the influence of barangay-level politics.

He warned against “hakot” or mass registration schemes, often used to gain an electoral advantage by transferring voters en masse to targeted barangays.

The December 1 BSKE will proceed using manual voting and counting, unless the Congress enacts a law mandating automation.

The election period is scheduled from October 27 to December 31, with the campaign period set from November 20 to 29.

Youth aged 15 to 17 years old on or before Election Day are qualified to register for the Sangguniang Kabataan, while those turning 18 may now register as regular barangay voters.

To streamline the process, applicants may use the iRehistro platform to pre-fill their registration forms, but biometric capture must still be done in person at local election offices.

Sarno appealed to the public not to wait until the last day of registration, citing limited manpower and logistical capacity.

“This is a short registration period. Take advantage of the early days. Ayaw paabota og last day,” Sarno said.

Meanwhile, Sarno also reminded candidates in the May 2025 midterm elections to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SoCE) by June 11, warning that non-filing carries legal penalties, including fines and possible disqualification for repeat offenders.

Comelec Cebu has coordinated with local government units to provide venues, security, and logistical support for the registration period.

Municipal election officers have also begun preparatory meetings to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.

Despite ongoing proposals in Congress to postpone the BSKE, the Comelec reiterated that elections will proceed as scheduled unless a new law is passed.

The Supreme Court had previously ruled that only Congress can legally postpone elections.

Sarno ended by urging voters, especially the youth, to actively participate in shaping their communities.

“This is grassroots democracy. Your voice starts here,” he said.(MyTVCebu)