Negros Oriental special poll canceled

MANILA, Philippines — The special election to fill the vacancy in the third district of Negros Oriental following the expulsion of Arnolfo Teves Jr. will no longer push through.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) canceled the special election on Dec. 9 ”in recognition of the legislative power of Congress.”

“This involves a question of membership and should be resolved by the House of Representatives,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

On Tuesday, the House adopted a resolution urging the Comelec to reconsider its decision to conduct a special election to replace Teves.

The resolution cited “existing circumstances and present predicament affecting the province” that warrants the suspension of any plan for special elections.

The chamber said the conduct of the special election may have a negative impact on the peace and order situation, not only in the third district of Negros Oriental but also in nearby areas.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said House Resolution 1431 authored by Negros Oriental second district Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria has been forwarded to the Comelec.

The cancellation of the special poll was announced a day after the Comelec extended the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) from Nov. 6 to 8 to Nov. 6 to 11.

Teves’ brother, former Negros Oriental governor Pryde Henry Teves, was among those who filed their COC yesterday.

The Teves brothers were  tagged as terrorists by the Anti-Terrorism Council in connection with the killings in Negros Oriental.

Garcia said the poll body is discontinuing preparations for the special election.

He said the regional election director and Negros Oriental provincial election supervisor were tasked to inform all parties and stakeholders about the cancellation.

Garcia said the Comelec can save around P75 million with the cancellation of the special election.

He said it would be up to the House to decide whether the Negros Oriental special poll should push through.

Teves was expelled from the House in August due to ”disorderly behavior” and violation of the Code of Conduct of the chamber.

The House adopted the recommendation of the committee on ethics and privileges, which noted that Teves’ absence and “continuous pursuit” of his application for political asylum in Timor-Leste were “tantamount to abandonment of his public office.”

Teves is facing charges of murder, frustrated murder and attempted murder in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

Speaker Martin Romualdez has been the caretaker of the third legislative district of Negros Oriental since Teves was suspended in March.