BARANGAY Carmen Chairperson Rainier Joaquin Uy is under scrutiny by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for allegedly issuing over 9,000 barangay certificates, triggering a surge in registered voters ahead of the May 2025 elections.
Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia warned yesterday (Nov. 20) that the chairperson could face disqualification and criminal charges under the Omnibus Election Code.
“Sadyang tumaas nang sobra ang bilang nang mga botante doon sa isang barangay, at ang culprit nito ay massive issuance nang barangay certification,” Garcia told reporters.
Uy, who plans to run for a congressional seat in 2025, denied wrongdoing, claiming the increase in voter numbers is a natural consequence of Carmen’s urbanization.
He also cited the extended registration period and Comelec’s outreach initiatives, such as mall-based registrations, as contributing factors.
“Nakinabang ka sa sarili mong gawa. Hindi dapat ginagawang katawa-tawa ang election process natin,” Garcia pointed out.
The issue has prompted a congressional inquiry.
Cagayan de Oro First District Representative Lordan Suan, who raised concerns in a privilege speech on Nov. 4, identified irregular voter increases in several areas, including Barangay Carmen.
The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms postponed a hearing to Nov. 25 due to scheduling conflicts with Comelec officials.
Uy confirmed his attendance at the upcoming hearing, noting it is meant to assist in legislative reforms.
However, he expressed reservations about any agenda beyond drafting new resolutions related to voter registration.
Mayor Rolando Uy and city officials, including HR Manager Xsyclyn Faith Lumbatan, have also been invited to the congressional hearing. City Information Office spokesperson Jan Boy Actub said the local government is prepared to cooperate.
While Joaquin declined to comment on allegations of vote buying, he emphasized that compensating party workers is a legal and standard practice during elections.
When asked if the idea of vote buying is the reason for the sudden surge of registered voters in Carmen, Joaquin said he could not answer the question.
“Basin kana mga honorarium sa mga workers kana tingali,” said Joaquin.
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Though vote buying cannot be undermined he emphasized that workers of each party should be compensated.
“Base sa balaod bawal man gyud na sya (vote buying) but when it comes to mga sweldo even the national party naay i-set aside para sa mga party workers, watchers,” Joaquin said.
The congressional hearing aims to address concerns about voter irregularities to ensure fair and credible elections in 2025, according to Suan.
