Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 8) — Hours prior to the scrapping of special elections for the third congressional district of Negros Oriental, former Gov. Pryde Henry Teves filed on Wednesday morning his certificate of candidacy (COC).
The position has been vacant due to his elder brother Arnolfo Teves’ expulsion from the House of Representatives in August.
Two other candidates filed their COC with the Commision of Elections (Comelec) on the same day — retired Col. Reynaldo Lopez and Bacong Mayor Lenin Alviola.
The poll body earlier extended the filing of COCs to Nov. 11 from the previous Nov. 6-8 schedule. Originally, the campaign period was set to run from Nov. 9 to Dec. 7 and election day was to be on Dec. 9.
However, the Comelec suddenly announced in a press conference on Wednesday that the special elections will no longer push through.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the lower chamber passed House Resolution 154 that abandoned an earlier resolution calling for a special district election.
The poll chief said the resolution stated that holding the special election may have a “negative impact on the peace and order situation” in the surrounding areas of the province.
READ: House scraps Negros Oriental special congressional polls – Comelec
The House on Aug. 16 expelled the Arnolfo Teves for disorderly conduct and violating the Code of Conduct of the lower chamber.
Prior to his expulsion, the Anti-Terrorism Council designated him as a terrorist.
READ: Rep. Teves expelled from House
