THE Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections are likely to be postponed, but residents of Palawan still have to go out and vote on May 11, 2020.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has scheduled for May 11, 2020 the conduct of the plebiscite to ratify the division of the province of Palawan into three provinces as provided by Republic Act No. 11259 on the said date.
Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10620, the law provides that the plebiscite for the creation of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur should be held on the second Monday of May 2020.
"Whereas, the second Monday of May 2020 is May 11, 2020," said the Comelec en banc.
According to the poll body, the plebiscite period will begin on April 11, 2020 and will run through May 18, 2020.
During the plebiscite period, prohibited acts include bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms and other deadly weapons; organization of strike forces; and suspension of local elective officials.
The information and campaign period, meanwhile, will be from April 11, 2020 to May 9, 2020.
During the information and campaign period, there will be a ban on appointments of new employees, creation of new positions, grant of salary increases, construction of public works and release of public funds.
On the eve of plebiscite day, there will be a liquor ban as well as prohibition in giving and accepting free transportation, food, and drinks.
Casting of votes on May 11, 2020 shall be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. to be immediately followed by the counting of votes after the close of voting hours.
RA 11259 divides the province of Palawan into Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur, subject to approval by majority of residents.
The Barangay and SK elections are scheduled to be conducted on May 11, 2020 but will be postponed to December 2022. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)