THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is prepared to scrap the special polls in the 7th District of Cavite in the event that only one aspirant will look to replace Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as congressman.
Based on Comelec Resolution No 10865, the commission said holding a special election on February 25 will no longer be necessary in case only one files his/her certificate of candidacy (COC).
"(In the event) that there is only one candidate qualified for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Seventh Legislative District of the Province of Cavite, and is thereby deemed elected, the commission shall not hold the special election as scheduled," said the Comelec.
Instead of holding special elections, the poll body said the Provincial Board of Canvassers of Cavite will instead schedule the proclamation on February 25.
"The Provincial Board of Canvassers of the Province of Cavite, as authorized by the Commission En Banc, shall convene on February 25, 2023 at 10 a.m., to proclaim the lone qualified candidate for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Seventh Legislative District for the Province of Cavite," said the Comelec.
According to the poll body, having been proclaimed sans the special elections shall have no different effect than those declared winners after voting.
"The lone qualified candidate shall have the right to assume office after proclamation in the same manner as if an election by plurality of vote has been conducted," said the Comelec.
Republic Act No. 8295 provides that "when there is only one qualified candidate for such a position, the lone candidate shall be proclaimed elected to the position."
The special polls was set for the election of the new Representative of the Seventh District of Cavite after it was vacated by Remulla.
The commission, subsequently, set the special elections on February 25, 2023.
The Comelec said the period to file certificates of candidacy shall be from December 5 (Monday) to December 6 (Tuesday) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The COCs shall be filed at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor of Cavite. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)