MANILA, Philippines – The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) yesterday opposed the planned special election in the fifth district of Negros Occidental to fill the vacancy left by the late Rep. Ignacio Arroyo, saying it would be a waste of time and resources.
“It is highly unconscionable, impractical and senseless to hold special election on June 2 for the position left vacant with the death of Rep. Iggy Arroyo. The PPCRV sees no public good or service for such special election,” PPCRV chairperson and former ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa said in a statement.
De Villa also expressed concern that the winning candidate would use the special election for his or her 2013 reelection bid.
“The filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2013 elections will take place on Oct. 1 to 5, barely four months after the June 2 special election Congress wants to happen. The position, power and other perks that go with a congressional seat could just be used to promote the campaign of the one elected. A total waste,” she said.
“The ban on public works project would begin in February 2013 so that whoever wins in the June 2 special election cannot implement or even contract for any public works project that will benefit his/her constituents,” she added.
De Villa said the special election would likewise distract the Commission on Elections from its preparations for the May 2013 elections.
She asked Congress to be sensitive to the real needs of the people and spend public funds wisely. She said the P30-million budget for the special election should instead be used to help the people in the district.
“During these hard times when making both ends meet is such a dilemma for the majority of Filipinos, we implore Congress and all our public officials to please cease and desist from highly partisan acts that benefit only the politicians and some vested interests,” she said.
Former Kasangga party-list Rep. Ma. Lourdes Arroyo-Lesaca, Iggy’s sister, is reportedly interested to run in the special election.
Arroyo died in London last Jan. 26 due to cirrhosis of the liver.