Catbalogan prepares for a cityhood plebiscite

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
June 6, 2007

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Catbaloganons will now have the chance to express whether they are for or against Catbalogan cityhood bid that is passionately being pursued by Mayor Coefredo Uy and party.

On June 16, Saturday, based on COMELEC Resolution Number 8085 some 48,000 Catbaloganons will troop to the polling places again to answer only one question: Do you approve of the conversion of the municipality of Catbalogan in the province of Samar into a component city to be known as the city of Catbalogan pursuant to RA 8391?

A COMELEC Resolution stated that the plebiscite for Catbalogan’s cityhood would have been simultaneous with the Midterm election but for some reasons, it was re scheduled on June 16, 2007.

Municipal COMELEC officer Josefina Aguilar said that like the recent May 14 polls, they would be conducting the plebiscite with the same Board of Election Inspectors.

COMELEC also said that the Municipal Treasury of Catbalogan has certified that it has prepared some P3.5M for the conduct of plebiscite, Aguilar said though that COMELEC would also spend for the activity.

Barangay Chairman of  Barangay 12, Catbalogan Jose Nuñez said that the cityhood bid will do Catbalogan best, he cited good reasons for the conversion like Investments that could benefit trade and commerce stakeholders.

Vendors in the public market have expressed apprehension on increase in taxes but Nuñez dispelled these talks saying that the slight increase is insignificant compared to the rise in business opportunities if and when Catbalogan becomes a component city.

With ten days left, LGU Catbalogan is all agog in conducting information dissemination activities to ensure a resounding YES for Catbalogan’s cityhood bid.

Mr. Vic Pagarao of the Treasurer’s office said that the few days between now and June 16 are enough to conduct education and information events for Catbaloganons.