Mabalacat now a city

MABALACAT -- Mabalacat is now Pampanga’s third city.

The proclamation was known following the peaceful referendum held last Saturday where some 14,079 constituents voted in favor of the cityhood, while 5,389 went for “no” in the final count supervised by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec municipal registrar Frank David said they have already confirmed the results of the referendum and declared the town as a city.

He said his office will formally inform the local government about the result of the referendum today, Monday.

After this, Municipal Administrator Rossano Paquia said the Comelec head office in Manila will affirm the outcome of the referendum through a resolution.

The Comelec recorded a 23-percent voter turnout and this was attributed to bad weather last Saturday. Mabalacat has a total voting population of 85,000.

David said the referendum is the last stage of the cityhood process.

Mayor Marino Morales thanked his constituents for voting in favor of the cityhood.

Morales also thanked the Comelec officials, including chairman Sixto Brillantes and other commissioners, Central Luzon acting officer Emmanuel Ignacio, for their support to the cityhood and the peaceful and orderly conduct of the referendum.

Morales also commended the police force headed by Superintendent Rodney Baloyo, and other volunteers including the communication group, non-government organizations, for maintaining peace and order throughout the election period.

He also thanked the teachers and other volunteers who assisted the orderly conduct of the referendum.

“What we should do now is move forward and we are committed to provide more efficient service to our constituents,” he said.