By Leslie Ann G. Aquino
Ricardo Dalisay, a character portrayed by actor Coco Martin in the ABS-CBN Channel 2 television series “Ang Probinsyano,” won as barangay chairman in a mock election conducted by the Commission on Elections yesterday at the Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Tondo, Manila.
Dalisay garnered 16 votes in one precinct in Barangay 20, besting other characters in the series Lucas Cabrera (Edu Manzano) and Delfin Borja (Jaime Fabregas).
Diana Olegario (Angel Aquino) garnered the most votes for barangay kagawad or councilor with 22.
Brandon Cabrera, played by Mark Anthony Fernandez, won as Sangguniang Kabataan SK chairman with eight votes. He bested other characters in another series “The Good Son” such as Enzo Buenavidez (Jerome Ponce), Oliver “Obet” Reyes (McCoy de Leon), and Calvin Gesmundo (Nash Aguas).
The simulation of the voting and canvassing of votes started at 7 a.m. with at least 100 voters from two precincts participating as part of the poll body’s preparations for the election next month.
During the simulation, poll officials noted a number of issues such as the voter interchanging the ballots for the village and youth elections.
“One of the issues is with the 18- to 30-years-old. The voter interchanged the ballots for SK and barangay,” Comelec acting chairman Al Parreno said.
“The solution here is voter education that’s why we are partnering with the National Youth Commission to help educate those who will receive two ballots,” Parreno said.
Parreno said they also noted confusion among teachers in the handling the voting of the 18- to 30-years-old.
“Starting May 2, there will be a training for the teachers who will serve as Board of Election Tellers,” he said.
The acting poll chief said they will also have a discussion with the Philippine National Police on how they should react whenever there is a tense situation.
