Residents of Talavera, Nueva Ecija are worried about the alleged influx of non-residents registering to vote in their town.

Reports suggest that many new voters are using barangay certificates and sworn statements to register, raising concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections.

"Siguro matagal na itong nangyayari dahil siguro ngayon palang namin natutuklasan na may mga ganito palang pangyayari," Marites Adriatico, a resident, said.

Some locals have identified individuals registering from other areas, claiming they were brought in to register under false pretenses.

One such person, identified as ‘Joan,’ said, "Tinawagan po kami ng kuya ko nga dahil ang sabi may nagpapamigay daw po; sabi ko saan, eh, hahakutin daw… eh, pagdating naman namin dun, pinapirma lang kami."

"Pumunta kami dun hindi naman namin alam pinag-fill up lang kami," ‘Alvin,’ another non-resident, said.

"Ganun din po, nag-fill-up tapos hinakot nga po kami dun sa (isang lugar) papuntang Talavera," ‘Rose,’ another non-resident, added.

RESPONSE

Residents have filed complaints with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Talavera, requesting the removal of 853 newly registered names from the voters' list.

Earlier, the Election Registration Board (ERB) approved 851 new voters.

With approximately 98,000 registered voters recorded in Talavera for the 2023 Barangay and SK elections, residents fear a sudden surge in numbers for the 2025 midterm elections.

"Ibig sabihin, pati bata samin nakakaboto, so masyadong pambihira, kaya yung pagdududa na nagkakaroon nga ng mga ganyan, flying voters, dayaan — parang ibig ko nang maniwala," Emmanuel Santiago, a resident, said.

The implications are serious, as illegitimate residents could not only skew election results but also benefit from aid meant for actual residents.

"Parang magiging ghost po sila kasama sa ayuda pero sa iba naman mapupunta sa kanila din," Melody Javate, another resident, said.

Residents are calling for a thorough cleansing of the voters list.

"Ay ang gusto po talaga namin eh maayos po talaga, at para luminis naman ang botohan sa darating na halalan," Ruby Parungao, another resident, added.

DENIED

However, the election officer of Talavera denied any wrongdoing, asserting that their office adheres strictly to regulations.

"Mahigpit po talaga; sa katunayan po, marami po ang nagpupunta sa aming opisina pero hindi po lahat ay nabibigyan dahil wala po silang requirements," Jose Ramiscal, Election Officer, Commission on Election (COMELEC) Talavera, said.