By CESAR JOLITO III

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental will not implement a four-day workweek despite rising fuel prices, opting instead to adopt energy conservation measures in compliance with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Negros Occidental Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said the poll body must maintain its regular operations as it continues preparations for the upcoming 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled on November 2.

Ananoria explained that Comelec is currently following a strict timeline and schedule to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.

He noted that the office is presently focusing on satellite voter registration activities in schools and barangays across the province.

Ananoria said the turnout of registrants has been encouraging, especially as many voters previously deactivated from the voter’s list are now re-registering.

Meanwhile, following the directive of Comelec Chairman George Garcia, offices have begun implementing energy-saving practices.

These include increasing the temperature settings of air-conditioning units and limiting the use of non-essential appliances and computers in government offices./CJ, WDJ