The declaration, embodied in Presidential Proclamation No. 849, covers the 10 municipalities and one city in the district.
According to the proclamation, the House of Representatives had certified the existence of a vacant seat for the fifth district and called for a special election.
The vacancy stemmed from Rep. Joseph Ace Durano’s appointment as secretary of the Department of Tourism.
Vying for the congressional seat are Red Durano, former Sogo vice mayor Dean Severo Dosado and businessman Wilfredo Tuadles. — Ferliza Contratista/ Freeman News Service, Sheila Crisostomo