KALIBO, Aklan – Voters in May 9, 2022 elections are encouraged to prepare and bring their ‘kodigo’ to polling precincts.
Election officer Chrispin Raymund Gerardo said the poll body allows voters to bring a list of candidates inside polling precincts, but discourages voters from bringing cell phones, especially to take pictures of ballots or voter receipts.
“They (voters) are not prohibited to bring ‘kodigo’ in polling centers, except for cellphones,” he stressed.
Gerardo said they will continue ‘Oplan Baklas’ to dismantle oversized posters and banners in public places and designated poster areas.
Before Election Day, the final testing and sealing of vote-counting machines will be scheduled for cluster precincts in Aklan.
The province has 694 cluster precincts in 17 municipalities. Out of this number, the capital town of Kalibo has 83 cluster precincts; Malay has 63, Ibajay with 59, and New Washington with 52.
Gerardo also urged political candidates and supporters to refrain from negative campaigning or deliberately spreading negative information about someone to worsen their public image.
“We should observe the rule of law, stick to campaigning guidelines,” said Gerardo.
Aklan is home to over 409,000 registered voters, the Comelec records show.
Meanwhile, Tibyog Akean has full slates in all towns of the province.
Three candidate mayors who belong to Tibyog Akean are sure winners. Mayors Dexter Calizo of Balete, Jose Miguel Miraflores of Ibajay, and Denny Refol, Sr. of Batan has no opponents in mid-term polls.
A total of six of the nine town mayors in Second District-Aklan are also seeking re-election.
In Buruanga, incumbent mayor Concepcion Labindao is challenging Danilo Tanieza.
Malay acting mayor Frolibar Bautista is also running opposite Yapak barangay captain Hector Casidsid and former barangay kagawad Marlyn Villaresis.
In Tangalan, Gary Fuentes is vying for the mayoral seat again. He will face Marcelino Tala-oc.
Numancia mayor Jeserel Templonuevo is also seeking a second consecutive term against Elfren Francisco.
Malinao mayor Josephine Iquina is joining the mayoralty race against Leocadio Illidan. In Lezo, Mary Lenette Fernandez is also seeking re-election against Amy Lei Nagrama./PN
