Malolos City—If all expectations turn out well for the plebiscite scheduled this Saturday (Dec. 17), the historic province of Bulacan will have a fourth component city, to be officially known as Baliwag City.
With a population of 168,470 as of the 2020 census, way above the threshold of 150, 000 requirement under the law, Baliwag has 27 barangays and has become a growth center east of the provincial capitol here with its vast land area of some 45 square kilometers.
The plebiscite was supposed to be scheduled for January 14 next year, but the Comelec approved a petition of Baliwag Mayor Ferdie Estrella to move the plebiscite to an earlier date in lieu of the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The basis of the Dec. 17 plebiscite was RA 11929, or the law passed last July 29 converting the municipality of Baliwag to a city.
Comelec Resolution No. 10851 promulgated on Nov. 8, set the information and campaign period from Nov. 17 to Dec. 15.
During this period, various civic, professional, religious, business, youth, and any other similar organizations thru the auspices of the municipal government held various symposia, public meetings to enlighten the voters of the municipality.
Comelec personnel and officials were prohibited from publicly expressing their positions on the matter.
“In order to maintain an independent and non-partisan status, all Commission officials and its deputies are prohibited from publicly expressing their opinion on any issue related to the plebiscite,” the Comelec resolution stated.
Members of all plebiscite committees (PlebCom) must also maintain their neutrality on the issue.
The plebiscite period was set from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24. Carrying of firearms are strictly prohibited in Baliwag which was also place under Comelec control with the attendant checkpoints in its territorial boundaries.
On Plebiscite Day, the casting of votes will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Counting and canvassing will be done after the close of voting, to be followed by the proclamation of plebiscite results.
If the law is ratified, Baliwag will become Bulacan’s fourth component city after San Jose del Monte, Meycauayan, and provincial capital Malolos.
