Comelec sets calendar for Cavite special polls

MANILA, Philippines — Special elections in the seventh district of Cavite will be held on Feb. 25 next year, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced yesterday.

The Comelec released yesterday the calendar of activities for the special elections to fill the vacancy left by Jesus Crispin Remulla following his appointment as justice secretary.

In a seven-page resolution promulgated on Oct. 5, the Comelec said the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) is on Dec. 5 and 6.

The election period is from Jan. 26 to March 12 while the campaign period is from Jan. 26 to Feb. 23.

Candidates should file their statements of contributions and expenditures not later than March 10.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia had earlier said the automated system would be used for the special elections to save on expenses.

“We will need less funds if we use the automated elections. We have 90,000 voting machines to spare. There are only about 500 precincts in the district,” he said.

Garcia said the Comelec may no longer hold the special elections if only one person will file a COC.

Garcia cited Republic Act 8295 or the Lone Candidate Law, which states that if only one qualified candidate files a COC in a special election, the lone bet shall be proclaimed winner by the Comelec.