Bulacan, Puerto Princesa recall polls seen in next 2 months

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is likely to conduct recall elections in Bulacan and Puerto Princesa within the next two months.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body has enough time to hold the recall elections against Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy Alvarado and Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron before the one-year ban takes effect.

The Local Government Code prohibits the holding of recall proceedings within a year before the conduct of a regular election.

Jimenez said the recall process for the two petitions were almost complete.

The petition against Alvarado has been published while the verification of signatures in the petition against Bayron has been set starting Feb. 28.

A recall petition may be filed by at least 25 percent of the total number of registered voters in a local government unit concerned.

It is subject to the approval of the offices of the election officers, deputy executive director for operations and the Comelec.

Once approved, the recall order should be posted in public, conspicuous places to verify the authenticity of the petition.

The Comelec will announce the acceptance of candidates to the position and set the date for the recall elections.

The Supreme Court earlier dismissed petitions seeking to stop the recall elections against Bayron and Alvarado.