Garcia: Poll converting Naga into HUC ‘will not be a walk in the park’

MANILA, Philippines — The outcome of Naga City’s upcoming plebiscite on its proposed conversion into a highly urbanized city (HUC) remains uncertain, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said on Thursday.

Garcia said the plebiscite “will not be a walk in the park,” as either the “Yes” or “No” vote could prevail. He stressed that both supporters and opponents of the proposal should be given the opportunity to explain their positions.

“It will be explained to those who do not agree with YES why it should be a highly urbanized city. In the same manner, NO should be given a chance to speak and understand why they are opposing,” Garcia said in an ambush interview.

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“And in the end, whatever the result, the explanation should not end with why it is necessary or not necessary for Naga City to be converted into a highly urbanized city,” he added.

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Naga is set to hold its plebiscite on Nov. 21, which will determine whether the city will be converted into an HUC. Only registered voters are eligible to participate in the electoral exercise.

During the plebiscite’s final command conference in Naga on Nov. 10, Garcia said the vote should reflect the voice of the city’s residents, regardless of whether the “Yes” or “No” side wins.

“That is how we truly make history in Naga, regardless of the outcome. Whether the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote wins, what matters is that the result reflects the voice of the people of Naga,” he added.

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Garcia also reminded residents not to take any election lightly, regardless of its scale, stressing that no voter should be disenfranchised.

“We should always be guided by the principle that we will never disenfranchise anyone. Disenfranchisement is never the business of this republic,” he said.

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He particularly encouraged young voters to participate, saying they had an opportunity to help shape the city’s history.

READ: Voter registration program eyed for expansion to more municipalities

Meanwhile, Naga Mayor Leni Robredo described the plebiscite as a defining moment in the city’s history, saying it represents years of growth and an opportunity for residents to determine the city’s direction.

“This plebiscite marks a very defining moment in the history of Naga because it is the culmination of years of growth and hard work and an opportunity for our city to chart our own course,” Robredo said during the Nov. 10 conference.

She acknowledged, however, that plebiscites tend to draw fewer voters than regular elections because there are no candidates or personalities for voters to rally behind.

“Sometimes, people would think that their vote will matter less, because they are not fighting for a person,” she said.

Robredo stressed that the outcome of the plebiscite would have a lasting impact on the city, making every vote important.

“What we decide in this plebiscite will shape our city long after any term of office has ended,” she said.

She urged local officials, teachers, police personnel and volunteers to help ensure that residents understand the importance of the vote and are encouraged to participate.

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Garcia reiterated that no election should be taken lightly, regardless of its scale, stressing that every eligible voter must be given the opportunity to participate in the Nov. 21 plebiscite. /cb