By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday began printing the official ballots for the Batanes special election and Naga City plebiscite later next month.
In a statement, Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said they were looking to finish the printing of the more than 130,000 ballots at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City within the day.
“Since the printing of ballots is already underway, we should be able to finish everything today – provided everything goes smoothly, given the relatively small quantities,” he said.
The total number of ballots to be printed for the Naga City plebiscite is 13,138 and for the special poll in Batanes, 120,720.
Laudiangco reported that the printing of the ballots for the Naga City plebiscite has been completed.
“An update from the Ballot Production Group, via Chief Richelda Fortuno: as of 10:47 a.m., the printing of the Naga Plebiscite ballots has been completed,” he said.
“They will now adjust the printer configuration and settings, conduct another round of tests, and, following the lunch break, proceed with the printing of the official ballots for the Batanes Special Election,” he added.
The Naga City Plebiscite will be held on Nov. 21 to ratify Proclamation 1267, which declares the City of Naga a Highly Urbanized City (HUC).
Meanwhile, the Batanes special election will take place on Nov. 28 following the vacancy in the position of Representative for its Lone Legislative District, brought about by the passing of Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. on Sept. 21.
For more information regarding the 2026 Batanes special election and the 2026 Naga City plebiscite, the Comelec said the public may visit its official website.
