Comelec sets date for Cavite special polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has set the special congressional election for the lone district of Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Aug. 29, to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives following the expulsion of former representative Kiko Barzaga.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the poll body finalized the date during a meeting yesterday.

“We will hold a coordinating meeting with our officials and personnel from the security forces, as well as representatives from the city government, the Department of Education and other agencies that will be involved in this special election,” he told reporters.

Garcia said Comelec is set to release the calendar of activities within the week, which will include the filing of certificates of candidacy, campaign and election periods, the gun ban and other key election-related timelines.

The election will be held within the legal requirement that special polls for House vacancies be conducted not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days from the occurrence of the vacancy.

Garcia said Comelec has already informed Malacañang of the funding requirements for the special election, estimated at around P191 million.

Following the vacancy, the Comelec said a total of 437,730 registered voters in the district will be affected and will regain representation once a winner is proclaimed.

Comelec also confirmed that the special congressional election will be conducted manually.