The Philippine Online Chronicles

Tomorrow would be another election holiday in several areas in Albay, Bicol, as the Commission on Elections failed to deliver election paraphernalia for use in today's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

"It's been a very long weekend already [in several areas], but tomorrow may also be election day," said Albay Governor Joey Salceda in a mix of Tagalog and English in a radio interview earlier today. Elections are expected to commence tomorrow in Legazpi, Daraga and Camalig.

In an interview with GMA News, Comelec chair Jose Melo said "elections in Regions 1, 2 and 5 were relatively okay" except for Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Legazpi and Catanduanes.

Delays are expected in Regions 1, 2, 5, 6, 10 and the Cordillera Autonomous Region, philstar.com quoted lawyer Ferdinand Rafanan, head of the Comelec's legal department.

Postponed

Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III has expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in delivery of election paraphernalia in several provinces. During a media briefing in Tarlac, Aquino said he was informed "two or three days before the elections that delivery would be delayed," reported gmanews.tv. The delays, explained Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, were due to "road hitches and shipping delays."

According to Comelec Resolution No. 9078, if the official ballots, accountable forms and other election paraphernalia for a particular precinct will arrive at its designated polling center after 12:00 noon of October 25, 2010, election shall be postponed and reset to the following day, October 26, or if it is not feasible, on October 27.

However, if the materials would arrive at a polling center before noon today, voting shall immediately start and continue up to 5:00 p.m. instead of only until 3 p.m. If there will still be voters within 30 meters in front of the polling area who have not cast their votes, voting shall continue until the said citizens are done.

Last hurrah?

This year is speculated to be the last SK polls, with Senators saying Congress will be pushing for the removal of the SK. Too many elections is proving costly, The Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. His sentiment was echoed by Senator Edgardo Angara, who said that instead of a full council, it may be better for the youth to have representatives in the Barangay Councils.