The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said no major glitches have so far been reported during the start of the plebiscite in Palawan province on Saturday, March 13.
"As of 1 p.m., voting in the Palawan Plebiscite continues unabated, despite persistent rains," said Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez in a message to reporters.
"So far, we feel that the plebiscite is going smoothly and we are hopeful that this will continue until the end of the day," he added.
Jimenez said majority of the polling places opened on time "with the exception of Kalayaan where the opening of polls have been delayed because of the late arrival of election supplies and paraphernalia." The Comelec official said that only one "untoward incident" was reported so far.
"(This consists) of a report of certain barangay officials refusing to give health declaration forms to some voters. The matter was immediately responded to and voters were allowed to exercise their right to suffrage," said Jimenez.
"(Voter) turn out remains moderate, owing to the rains. However, with two hours remaining before the close of voting, there is some optimism that last minute voting will drive the voter turnout rate up," he added.
Palawan residents are participating in the plebiscite for the creation of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur on Saturday, March 13.
Voters can cast their votes until 3 p.m. of Saturday, March 13.
The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) also made a similar observation on the ongoing Palawan plebiscite.
“NAMFREL observers reported that in general, election paraphernalia to be used in the plebiscite were received on schedule, polling precincts opened on time, and there was no significant delay in the start of voting,” it said in a statement.
“Observers also note that the process appears well-organized, and anti-COVID protocols are being enforced and followed,” it added.