Julia Christine Botin

'Weaponized' by officials? Comelec says brgy certificates no longer needed in voter's registration

Article (news)

Job Manahan

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA – The Commission on Elections on Thursday said barangay certificates would no longer be needed when Filipinos register to vote, as this has supposedly been “weaponized” by corrupt village officials.</p><p>Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are in the process of revising the voter registration guidelines, which would be released soon.</p><p>“Tinatanggal na namin ang barangay certification bilang ebidensya na pwedeng gamitin na pagpapatunay na taga-doon ang mga tao,” said Garcia in a forum.</p><p>“Napakadami naming inimbestigahan at kinasuhan na mga barangay officials. Dahil sa aming palagay, &#x27;yan ay ginamit, na-weaponize upang mahakot ‘yung ibang tao sa ibang lugar at palabasin na sila ay taga-rito,” he added.</p><p>The poll chief said there were instances that 9,000 or even 30,000 residents had their registration transferred. He did not divulge, however, where these areas were.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/5/comelec-explains-irregular-surge-in-number-of-new-voters-2024">Comelec explains &#x27;irregular&#x27; surge in number of new voters</a></div><p>“Para maiwasan &#x27;yan, hindi na kami tatanggap ng mga barangay certification bilang pagpapatunay na sila ay registered voters,” he said.</p><p>“Naunawaan natin ang sentimyento ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Sasabihin nila wala silang government-issued ID kaya ang pwede lang ay barangay certification. Ang barangay certification, may presyo din &#x27;yun, may bayad din &#x27;yan,” he said.</p><p>Postal ID, senior citizen’s ID, and student’s ID are accepted for the registration as proof of residence, he said.</p><p>“‘Wag lang barangay certification kasi ginagamit ng ibang tiwaling opisyal para lamang maglipat ng botante o alisin ang mga botantent sa kanilang palagay ay kalaban nila. So aalisin na namin,” he said.</p><p>He urged the public to question their decision to the Supreme Court should it come to that.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/27/rights-group-kontra-daya-tell-comelec-adopt-hybrid-elections-1413">Rights group, Kontra Daya tell Comelec: Adopt hybrid elections</a></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7BgpvHUqGLE?si=pb8UfCL2EFIRz3xu" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Barangay certificates will no longer be needed when Filipinos register to vote, as this has supposedly been “weaponized” by corrupt village officials, Comelec said.</p>

Barangay certificates will no longer be needed when Filipinos register to vote, as this has supposedly been “weaponized” by corrupt village officials, Comelec said.