Comelec to hold special polls in Southern Leyte

MANILA, Philippines — Special elections will be held for representatives of the two new legislative districts in Southern Leyte within six months after the May 13 polls.

Under Resolution 10513 promulgated on March 25, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the polls following the approval of Republic Act 11198, which divides the province into two districts.

Under the law, the first district shall be composed of the city of Maasin and the towns of Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus and Bontoc.

Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, St. Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinundayan, Hinunangan and Silago will comprise the second district. 

The poll body said the position of congressman in the lone legislative district as well as the names of the candidates, which have been configured in the automated election system, is inconsistent with RA 11198.

“The present configuration can no longer be revised or modified in time for... May 13... without jeopardizing the preparations for the elections of other positions,” the Comelec said.     

All votes for representative of Southern Leyte shall be considered “stray,” the poll body said.