THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the plebiscite seeking the conversion of the municipality of Baliwag into a component city of Bulacan on January 14, 2023.
Resolution No. 10834 states: “Now, therefore, the Commission on Elections hereby sets the date of the plebiscite to ratify the conversion of the municipality of Baliwag in the province of Bulacan into a component city to be known as the City of Baliwag on January 14, 2023.”
The conduct of the plebiscite became necessary after Republic Act No. 11929, which calls for the conversion of the municipality of Bulacan into a component city, lapsed into law last July 30.
“The Comelec shall conduct and supervise such plebiscite. The expenses for such plebiscite shall be borne by the municipality of Baliwag,” RA 11929 stated.
According to the Comelec resolution, the plebiscite period shall run from December 14, 2022 up to January 21, 2023.
During the plebiscite period, the bearing or carrying of firearms, maintenance of a strike force, suspension of local elective officials, and transfer or detail employees in the civil service are prohibited.
On the other hand, the Information and Campaign Period is set from December 14, 2022 to January 12, 2023, during which barangay assemblies, fora or “pulong-pulongs” will be held. It is prohibited however, to deface, tamper, or prevent the distribution of lawful plebiscite propaganda.
On plebiscite day, the Comelec said the voting will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Counting of votes shall immediately begin after the close of voting, to be followed by the canvassing of votes, and proclamation of results
