The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the special election to fill the vacant seat in the third district of Negros Oriental this December 9.
The seat has been vacant since the House of Representatives expelled former Congressman Arnolfo ‘Arnie’ Teves Jr. due to his disorderly behavior and violation of House's code of conduct.
In a press statement on Thursday, August 30, Comelec Rex Laudiangco said the Comelec en banc approved the calendar of activities and periods of certain prohibited acts.
“Chairman George Erwin Garcia has confirmed that the COMELEC is an official receipt of the Certification of Permanent Vacancy and the Resolution Calling for a Special Election from the HoR,” he added.
According to Laudiangco, the filing of a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the vacant position is set from November 6 to 8 in adherence to Comelec Resolution No. 10945.
The election period will be from November 9 to December 24.
“During the election period, a gun ban is in effect,” the Comelec spokesperson said.
The following specific actions are likewise not allowed during the election period:
- The release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds
- The construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works; etc.
- The appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of new positions, filing of new positions, promotions or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privileges
Aspirants are allowed to campaign starting November 9 until December 7. But no campaign shall be conducted on the eve and the day of the election on December 9.
Residents of Negros Oriental 3rd District can cast their votes from 7 AM until 3 PM only.
“Upon close voting, the counting and canvassing of votes and proclamation winning candidates will immediately follow,” Laudiangco said.
