• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A total of 42 voter registration applications in Barangay 9, Bacolod City, are facing opposition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) due to allegations that the applicants are non-residents of the village.
Bacolod City Election Officer Atty. Kathrina Trinio-Caña confirmed that the formal challenge was lodged by Marites Ramos, a registered voter of Barangay 9.
Ramos filed the objection on Monday, the final deadline for submitting oppositions against voter registration applications.
According to Trinio-Caña, the 42 challenged submissions comprise various types of applications, including requests for the transfer of registration records from other areas.
The main allegation in the opposition states that the individuals were not recognized, have not been seen, and are not actual residents of the barangay.
The fate of those questioned applications will be determined on June 1, when the Election Registration Board (ERB) officially convenes to evaluate the merits of the opposition.
Trinio-Caña clarified that the authority to approve or disapprove voter applications rests entirely with the ERB, rather than with her as the election officer.
The board will decide whether the opposition is meritorious based on the supporting documents of the respondents present during the ERB hearing.*
