CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — Responding to an influx of voter registration applications from Barangay Carmen, here, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-10 has launched a fact-finding investigation to examine the registration process and ensure compliance with election protocols.
“The commission has tasked Region 10 to form a fact-finding investigation team, composed of kaming duha (the two of us, COMELEC-10 Regional Attorney Gina Luna-Zayas Sabio) and the supervisor of Misamis Oriental. We started the investigation two weeks ago,” said Assistant Regional Election Director Maria Dulce Cuevas-Banzon during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on November 5.
Their primary focus is on the issuance and requirements of barangay certifications, which have drawn scrutiny due to potential inconsistencies in their application as a supporting document for voter registration.
“Among ginatan-aw so that we will know kung unsa’y among i-recommend, whether i-recommend ba namo nga dili na i-apil ang barangay certification as one of the requirements nga pwede i-present sa application or ipadayon lang gihapon nato as long as ang proseso is followed,” she added.
(We are reviewing the issuance process to determine whether we should recommend the removal of the barangay certification requirement for registration applications. Alternatively, if we continue requiring it, we want to ensure the process is followed.)
The investigation, however, is solely fact-finding and will not interfere with the ongoing preparations for the 2025 elections. Banzon said the process will only lead to a policy recommendation, and their findings will take effect in future registration periods, not in the current one.
While the fact-finding team’s recommendations may result in policy adjustments, they do not have authority to pursue legal action. She said the COMELEC’s role is limited to recommending policies, not filing cases. Should there be any irregularities, their only duty is to suggest policy changes.
Banzon also emphasized that strict application of current election laws is sufficient to regulate voter registration. “We already have the law in place; it’s just strict application and implementation of the law is required because daghan man gyud kaayo mga tao nga ganahan gyud sila magtuyok-tuyok sa balaod. But actually, naa na gyud ang balaod, we do not need additional legislation,” she said.
(There are a lot of people who tend to find ways around the law. But actually, there is already a law; we do not need additional legislation.)
Banzon said the fact-finding initiative aims to reinforce COMELEC’s commitment to transparent and law-abiding registration processes, addressing public concerns while upholding voter rights. The team is expected to submit its findings and recommendations for policy consideration in the near future.
“Kung mu-follow lang gyud ta ani nga balaod, wala gyud actually ta’y problema (If we just follow this law, we actually won’t have any problems),” Banzon said. (RTP/PIA-10)
