City Council bucks Indahag voter registration ordinance

The 20th City Council, in its regular session on Monday, adopted a resolution finding as ultra vires Barangay Indahag’s ordinance requiring its residents to be registered voters before the issuance of Barangay Clearances and other certifications.

Authored by Barangay Kagawad Nazar P. Uayan and co-authored by Kagawad Agustine R. Laron, the barangay ordinance sought to ensure that all residents of Barangay Indahag requesting barangay clearances or other certifications are registered voters. It cited voter registration as a critical step toward democratic governance and increased voter turnout.

Under its provisions, barangay officials would require applicants to present proof of registration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), which would then be verified against official voter records.

The City Council finds the said Indahag Ordinance beyond the authority of the Sangguniang Barangay to enact or approve; thus, cannot be given force and effect. (JAOclarit/SP)