Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 22) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday bared the possible timeline for the conduct of special polls to elect the new Negros Oriental third district representative replacing former Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ The Source, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the special elections can be conducted in the first quarter of 2024, but later told other media that this can be held in December this year at the earliest.
Garcia earlier said the separate polls in Negros Oriental may be conducted at the same time as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in October.
“We need the consent or the directive from Congress kasi ‘yung budget para sa isang special election ay kinukuha sa budget ng Commission on Elections at mukha pong hindi na kakayanin,” he explained.
[Translation: We need the consent or the directive from Congress because the budget for a special election is from the budget of the Commission on Elections and it appears it is no longer possible this year. If I will be asked, I think around first quarter of next year we can conduct it.]
Following Teves’ expulsion, the lower chamber adopted House Resolution 1212 for the conduct of a special election for the third district of Negros Oriental.
Garcia said up to ₱40 million may be needed for this poll. He noted the same amount was spent for the special polls earlier this year to elect a Cavite congressman replacing now Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla.
The Comelec chairman has said that it is also under the discretion of the House if it will appoint a caretaker. This will be similar to the case of Valenzuela City when Rex Gatchalian was appointed as social welfare secretary, he noted.
Asked if Teves can still run for public office, Garcia said: “The problem is I cannot answer…Baka po kasi makarating sa’min ‘yung case and baka ma-inhibit ako doon sa magiging sagot ko (The case may reach us and I may be inhibited because of my answer.].”
Garcia earlier said Teves can still run for public office while there is no conviction by final judgment yet.
