THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ruled to suspend the election of a new representative for the First District of South Cotabato and not hold any for the Third District.
The decision came as Congress recently passed Republic Act 11243, which created the third district after General Santos City was removed from the first district of the province.
“In case the position for member, House of Representatives for the First Legislative District, including General Santos City, of South Cotabato is voted upon in the May 13 elections, all votes for the said position shall be considered stray,” said Comelec Resolution 10524.
Instead, the poll body said the elections for the two South Cotabato representatives shall be set by the Comelec “within six months” from May 13.
Earlier, the Comelec en banc also ruled to suspend the election of new representatives for the first and second districts of the province of Southern Leyte.
Southern Leyte was divided into two legislative districts through Republic Act 11198. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)