Comelec cancels special polls in South Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines — It’s official: the special elections for representatives of the first and third districts of South Cotabato will not push through.

In Minute Resolution 19-0932 dated Sept. 25, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolved to cancel the elections set on Oct. 26.

The poll body said it would no longer appeal a Supreme Court (SC) ruling to proclaim Shirlyn Banas-Nograles as the winner in the May 13 congressional race in the first district of South Cotabato, which includes General Santos City. 

“After the finality of the decision of the SC, the commission shall proceed with the proclamation of Nograles,” the resolution read.

Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas as well as Commissioners Al Parreno, Socorro Inting and Antonio Kho signed the resolution.

Commissioners Luie Guia and Rowena Guanzon manifested that the poll body should consider filing a motion for reconsideration and just suspend the elections.

Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said there must be a basis to proclaim Nograles, such as the certificates of canvass and statements of votes.  

The Comelec suspended the congressional elections in South Cotabato after President Duterte signed Republic Act 11243, which reapportions the first legislative district of General Santos City.

The House of Representatives said it is waiting for the proclamation of the winner in the May 13 congressional vote in the first district of the province.