Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 30) — The special election to replace expelled Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. will be held on Dec. 9, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday.
The poll body said aspirants have three days – or from Nov. 6 to 8 – to file their certificate of candidacy (COC).
The election period will then start on Nov. 9 and will run until Dec. 24, during which the gun ban will be in effect.
Meanwhile, the campaign period is from Nov. 9 to Dec. 7.
“From Nov. 9 to Dec. 8, the specific prohibited acts are: (1) the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds; (2) the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, etc.; and (3) the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of new positions, filling of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, renumeration or privileges,” the Comelec said in a statement.
Liquor ban will also be imposed from Dec. 8 to 9.
The Comelec added that voting hours on election day will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Upon close voting, the counting and canvassing of votes and proclamation of winning candidates will immediately follow,” it said.
The last day to file Statements of Contributions and Expenditures is on Jan. 8, 2024.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia also confirmed that ₱75 million was allotted for the special election.
The House of Representatives expelled Teves on Aug. 16 for his “disorderly behavior and for violation of the Code of Conduct of the House of Representatives.”
Among the reasons cited were his continued absence without leave and his pursuit of political asylum in Timor-Leste, which was denied.
The ex-lawmaker — who has not returned to the Philippines since late February — faces multiple charges, including for the murder of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo in March this year and three other killings in the province in 2019. He has repeatedly denied the accusations against him.
Days after his expulsion, the House adopted a resolution calling for a special election for his vacated seat.
