‘No call yet for special poll in Recto’s district’

MANILA, Philippines — The sixth district of Batangas will have no representation at the House of Representatives in the meantime pending a call to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Ralph Recto as finance secretary.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia said it would depend on the House if a special election would be held.

“There is none so far, likely because Congress has not resumed session yet,” Garcia said.

Under the rules, the House should issue a certificate of permanent vacancy and a resolution calling for a special election.

Recto replaced Benjamin Diokno, who was appointed to the seven-member Monetary Board.

With his Cabinet appointment, Recto also vacated his post as one of the deputy speakers.