This article outlines the crucial provisions and processes within COMELEC Resolution No. to ensure full compliance with the guidelines for clustering established precincts for the 2025 National and Local Elections. It details mandatory timelines, consequences of non-compliance, and strategies for effective implementation.
I. Understanding the Resolution’s Objectives
COMELEC Resolution No. 10965 aims to establish a clear and efficient framework for clustering established precincts nationwide. This is driven by several factors, including the need to address infrastructural limitations (inadequate voting centers), maintain peace and order in critical areas, and ensure the availability of qualified Electoral Board Members. The ultimate goal of the COMELEC is for the conduct of credible, peaceful, cost-efficient, accessible, and safe 2025 Philippine elections.
II. Key Definitions and Concepts
1. Established Precincts: The resolution distinguishes between original (mother) and spin-off (daughter) established precincts. Original precincts are the basic voting units, while spin-offs are created to accommodate additional voters within an original precinct’s jurisdiction. The term “established precinct” encompasses both types.
2. Project of Precincts (POPs): This is a public document prepared by the Election Officer (EO) of each district/city/municipality. It contains vital data on barangays, established and clustered precincts, voting centers, and the number of voters. The POP is fundamental for resource allocation (ballots, forms, supplies, ballot boxes) and determining the number of personnel needed for elections.
3. Clustering Scheme: This refers to the approved method of grouping established precincts into clustered precincts, ensuring efficient resource management and equitable voter distribution.
III. Mandatory Timelines and Compliance Procedures
Adherence to these timelines is paramount for successful election preparation:
1. Onsite POP Verification: Onsite POP Verification Teams (OPVTS), comprising personnel from the Election and Barangay Affairs Department (EBAD) and Information and Technology Department (ITD), will conduct verification from November 3 to 22, 2024. Supervising Lawyers (SLs) from EBAD will oversee this process. This period includes travel time to and from assignments. The ITD will provide laptops to EBAD personnel for efficient data handling.
2. Preparation and Submission of POPs: All Office of the Election Officers (OEOs) must prepare and submit the final POPs to the EBAD personnel conducting the verification by December 16, 2024. This deadline is crucial for accurate data processing and resource allocation.
3. Submission of POPs to the Commission En Banc: The EBAD will consolidate all POPs and submit regional, provincial, and OEO summaries to the Commission En Banc by December 16, 2024, for final consideration.
IV. Guidelines for Clustering Established Precincts
The resolution provides specific guidelines for clustering:
1. Voter Limit per Precinct: Each established precinct should not exceed 200 voters, comprising contiguous and compact territories. Exceptions are made for islands or groups of islands with fewer than 200 voters. Precincts with fewer than 200 voters are allowed.
2. Clustering within Barangays and Voting Centers: Only established precincts within the same barangay and voting center can be clustered together. Original and spin-off precincts should be clustered together whenever possible.
3. Voter Limit per Clustered Precinct: Each clustered precinct can have an unlimited number of established precincts, but the total number of voters cannot exceed 1,000.
4. Retention of Precinct Identity: Each established precinct within a cluster retains its individual precinct number, Election Day Computerized Voter’s List (EDCVL), Precinct Computerized Voter’s List (PCVL), and Book of Voters.
5. Equitable Voter Distribution: Clustering should strive for an even distribution of voters among clustered precincts for equitable workloads among Electoral Boards.
6. Special Considerations: Specific clustering schemes may apply to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Senior Citizens (SCs), Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), with potential exceptions based on guidelines from the Vulnerable Sectors Office (VSO).
7. Separate POPs: The Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM and each district within a multi-district city require separate POPs.
8. Reactivated Voters: Reactivated voters generally return to their original precinct, but if the precinct is full, they will be assigned to a spin-off precinct in the same territory.
V. Responsibilities of Election Officials
1. Election Officers (EOs): EOs are responsible for the initial verification of their POPs and Voter’s Databases before submission to EBAD and ITD respectively.
2. Regional Election Directors (REDs) and Provincial Election Supervisors (PESS): REDs and PESS must monitor and supervise their respective EOs to ensure compliance.
VI. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the resolution can have serious consequences:
1. Invalidation of POPs: Non-compliance with submission guidelines will lead to invalidation of submitted POPs by the EBAD verifier, requiring submission of an amended POP.
2. Disenfranchisement of Voters: Inaccurate or incomplete POPs could disenfranchise voters, jeopardizing the integrity of the election.
3. Administrative Penalties: While not explicitly stated, non-compliance might lead to administrative sanctions against responsible officials.
VII. Ensuring Compliance: Best Practices
To ensure compliance, the following are recommended:
1. Thorough Training: Conduct comprehensive training for election officials on the guidelines and procedures.
2. Regular Monitoring and Audits: Implement a robust system of monitoring and auditing to identify and address potential problems early.
3. Clear Communication: Establish clear communication channels between election officials and stakeholders to facilitate information sharing and address queries promptly.
4. Technological Support: Utilize technology for data management and verification to improve accuracy and efficiency.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns: Engage in public awareness campaigns to educate voters about the election process and their rights.
VIII. Specific Provisions Requiring Attention:
Several provisions within Resolution No. 10965 warrant particular attention:
1. Section 1(f): The 1,000-voter limit per clustered precinct should be meticulously followed, with the understanding that the COMELEC retains the authority to adjust this limit.
2. Section 8: The rules governing the preparation and submission of POPs are critical. The EO must adhere to the specified criteria and the deadline of December 16, 2024. Non-compliance will result in invalidation.
3. Section 10: The final submission deadline of December 16, 2024, for consolidated POPs to the Commission En Banc is non-negotiable.
This guide provides a framework for understanding and complying with COMELEC Resolution No. 10965. Strict adherence to the guidelines and timelines is crucial for ensuring the fairness, efficiency, and integrity of the 2025 NLE. Election officials must proactively address any potential challenges and utilize best practices to achieve full compliance.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the main objective of COMELEC Resolution No. 10965?
The main objective of COMELEC Resolution No. 10965 is to establish a clear and efficient process for precinct clustering in preparation for the 2025 Philippine elections.
What are Established Precincts as defined in the resolution?
Established Precincts refer to the original voting areas recognized prior to any clustering adjustments as outlined in the resolution.
What is a Project of Precincts (POPs)?
A Project of Precincts (POPs) is a public document prepared by election officials that outlines the proposed clustering of established precincts for electoral purposes.
What are the consequences of non-compliance with this resolution?
Consequences of non-compliance may include invalidation of POPs, disenfranchisement of voters due to inaccurate or incomplete POPs, and potential administrative penalties.
What guidelines should be followed for clustering established precincts?
Guidelines for clustering include maintaining a voter limit per precinct, ensuring equitable voter distribution, and retaining precinct identity within clustered groups.
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