Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is encouraging registered voters in five barangays in Para±aque City to participate in the plebiscite on Saturday, which will determine whether to alter the existing territorial boundaries of the city's coastal barangays.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body expects mixed reactions to the proposed boundary changes in Barangays Baclaran, Tambo, Don Galo, La Huerta, and San Dionisio. "We expect that not everyone will agree, especially those who will lose or feel that their jurisdiction will be reduced may not agree," he stated in an interview on Friday. He also emphasized the contested nature of the proposal, urging participation from the five barangays in Para±aque.

The plebiscite aims to ratify City Ordinance No. 2023-19, series of 2022, dated July 13, 2023. This ordinance proposes altering the territorial boundaries of the five coastal barangays adjoining the reclaimed areas in Manila Bay by adopting the Straight Line Policy in determining their amended boundaries.

Voting will commence early in the morning, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. Regular voting hours will follow from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Voters will decide whether they support ("Yes") or oppose ("No") the proposed alteration of the existing territorial boundaries.

The five barangays together have a total of 79,604 registered voters. San Dionisio has the largest number with 34,176 registered voters, followed by Tambo with 16,983, Baclaran with 15,147, La Huerta with 7,118, and Don Galo with 6,180.

The Straight Line Policy is a method for defining the boundaries of coastal reclaimed areas by using geometric vectors to delineate property limits along irregular shorelines. This establishes clear legal boundaries for land titles, taxation, and jurisdiction.