A seemingly local vote in Parañaque on Saturday could reshape control over some of the city’s most valuable coastal territories, as tens of thousands of residents decide whether to redraw the boundaries of five barangays bordering the Manila Bay reclamation area.
The plebiscite asks voters to either approve or reject City Ordinance No. 2023-19, a measure that would redefine the territorial limits of Barangays Baclaran, Tambo, Don Galo, La Huerta, and San Dionisio using the so-called “straight line policy.”|
While presented as a technical boundary adjustment, the vote has sparked intense debate because the outcome could determine which barangays will exercise jurisdiction over portions of the fast-growing reclaimed districts, including areas near the Aseana development.
A total of 79,250 registered voters are eligible to participate, with ballots being cast in 10 voting centers, including a special polling precinct inside the Parañaque City Jail for qualified persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Boundary Dispute Divides Communities
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia acknowledged that the issue has become one of the most contested local plebiscites in recent years, with residents taking opposing positions on the proposed realignment.
According to Garcia, disagreements largely stem from competing claims over parts of the reclaimed coastal area, particularly within the Aseana district.
Despite the controversy, Comelec expects voter participation to remain lower than in regular elections, noting that plebiscites historically attract fewer voters.
The poll body said reaching a 35% voter turnout would already be considered a successful exercise, as similar local plebiscites typically record participation between 30% and 35%.
Election officials nevertheless welcomed the early turnout from senior citizens during the priority voting period.
No Minimum Turnout Needed
Unlike national elections, Garcia clarified that the ordinance does not require a minimum voter turnout to take effect.
Instead, the proposal will simply be decided by whichever side receives the greater number of valid votes.
Whether the “Yes” or “No” campaign prevails, the result will immediately determine if the new territorial boundaries will be adopted.
Residents Split Over Historic Claims
For many voters, the issue extends beyond maps and technical surveys.
Albert Tenorio, a resident of Barangay Tambo, said he voted because he believes portions of the disputed area have historically belonged to their community.
He argued that the territory has long been recognized by residents as part of Tambo and should not be transferred elsewhere.
Another voter, 76-year-old Teresita Lachica, expressed support for adopting the straight line policy, saying it would provide a clearer and more orderly basis for determining the official boundaries among the affected barangays.
PDLs Also Cast Ballots
The plebiscite also includes participation from 108 qualified persons deprived of liberty detained at the Parañaque City Jail.
Garcia emphasized that detainees who have not yet been convicted with finality retain their constitutional right to vote.
Results Expected Within Hours
Comelec expects vote canvassing to move quickly due to the limited scope of the exercise.
The Plebiscite Board of Canvassers is set to convene at 6 p.m. at the Parañaque City Coliseum to tally the results.
Election officials said the winning side could be proclaimed as early as Saturday evening, with final results expected no later than 3 a.m. Sunday.
While the plebiscite only involves five barangays, its outcome is expected to have long-term implications for governance, territorial jurisdiction, and administrative control over some of Metro Manila’s most rapidly developing coastal districts.