Parañaque Voters Ratify Boundary Changes for 5 Coastal Villages

MANILA, Philippines — Voters in five coastal barangays in Parañaque City overwhelmingly ratified Saturday an ordinance altering their existing territorial boundaries adjoining the reclaimed areas in Manila Bay. The plebiscite concerned City Ordinance No. 2023-19. Official results released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed that 11,597 voters voted “Yes” to the ordinance, while 2,254 people voted “No.” The participation rate was 13,873 out of 79,251 registered voters, approximately 17.5%. The Plebiscite Board of Canvassers proclaimed the approval of the ordinance after canvassing all 151 plebiscite returns from the five barangays: Baclaran, Tambo, Don Galo, La Huerta, and San Dionisio. Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco highlighted the speed of the process, stating that the July 25 polls were recorded as the fastest plebiscite canvassing on record, with the Certificate of Canvass and Proclamation issued and promulgated within six hours from the close of polls. This boundary adjustment comes amidst significant land reclamation projects in Manila Bay. Parañaque City has been undertaking ordinance amendments to address the changes in land use and administrative divisions resulting from these reclamation activities. The ratification by voters signifies the formalization of administrative boundaries reflecting the will of the residents. In the Philippines, changes in administrative boundaries are often necessitated by urban development and infrastructure projects. The Metro Manila area, in particular, has seen extensive reclamation efforts, leading to discussions on boundary issues and their impact on residents' lives. Parañaque City's case illustrates a process of community participation in areas undergoing such development.