ORMOC CITY – More than 10,000 voters are expected to cast their ballots in the plebiscite to ratify the merger and renaming of several barangays here on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Erwin Garcia, together with members of the en banc, is personally supervising the voting from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Central School.

"We're glad that a lot of people came early to vote despite the weather. We are hoping that more voters will vote before the cut-off," he said.

He added that Comelec's task is to ensure that the voting will be orderly and peaceful and that the people's votes are counted.

"Whatever will happen, whether the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ vote will win, it doesn't really matter. What's important is that the people who are involved were able to express their feelings and sentiments," he added.

Couple Rosa and Ogie Estrera from Barangay 22 are among the earliest voters to arrive at the polling place and expressed support for the consolidation of barangays.

"This is for the betterment of our community but we also want to know where the barangay hall will be put once they are merged," Ogie said.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance on January 19, 2021 for the holding of the plebiscite and was approved on June 22, 2021 by then-Mayor now Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez.

Comelec set the plebiscite through Resolution No. 10796. A budget of P8 million was allotted for the exercise.

If approved by the majority, Barangay 29 will be renamed Barangay North Poblacion.

Barangays 1 to 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 23, and 27 will be merged into one super barangay to be named Barangay South Poblacion; Barangays 9 to 11, 16, 18, 25, and 28 as Barangay East Poblacion; and Barangays 14, 19 to 22, 24 and 26 as Barangay West Poblacion.

Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez here said the ordinance will enable them to enhance their services as well as the adequate provision of facilities in barangays.

She added that under the Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, several barangays do not meet the requirements in terms of minimum population.

The law states that there should be at least 2,000 residents in each barangay. However, she said, some even have less than 1,000 residents.

Rep. Gomez expressed gratitude that despite the tedious process and challenges, they were able to come up with the plebiscite to adequately deliver the basic services to the people.

"We're hopeful and positive that today's plebiscite will be successful because this kind of plebiscite will be the first of its kind in the Philippines."

The poll body is expecting to announce the result at around 8 or 9 p.m. after the Board of Canvassers convene and votes are counted.

This city has 110 barangays and will have 85 if the yes wins.