BARANGAY Muzon in San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan is set to be split into four independent barangays after a large majority of the voters during the plebiscite held by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday, March 25, 2023, chose to ratify Republic Act No. 11896.
Based on the official results released by the Barangay Plebiscite Board of Canvassers late Saturday night, a total of 12,324, or 93 percent, of the votes agreed to split Barangay Muzon into four.
On the other hand, only 969 voters, or 7 percent, did not want to divide Barangay Muzon.
"Given this clear mandate from the constituency of Barangay Muzon, considered as the most populous area in the City of San Jose del Monte, the original barangay will henceforth be divided into four distinct and independent barangays," said Comelec Spokesman John Rex Laudiangco in a statement on Sunday.
To recall, Republic Act No. 11896 provides for the division of Barangay Muzon into four separate and independent barangays.
If approved, Barangay Muzon will be divided into Barangay Muzon Proper, Barangay Muzon East, Barangay Muzon West, and Barangay Muzon South.
The plebiscite had a 30.43 percent voter turnout as merely 13,322 actually voted from the 43,771 registered voters.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia earlier expressed belief that the voter turnout could be at least 80 percent.
Nevertheless, Garcia said the lower than expected voter turnout does not diminish the results of the plebiscite.
"It doesn't matter if many voted or few voted. As long as there is plurality between yes and no votes, the Comelec will proclaim the results," said Garcia.
He added that they still believe that the plebiscite was a success since no untoward incidents took place.
"There is no violence, no threats, no intimidation, and no failure of elections. We don't just talk about how many actually voted," said Garcia. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)