Comelec to conduct a special poll on Dec. 9 to fill Teves' seat
By Dhel Nazario
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday, Aug. 30 that a special election will be conducted on Dec. 9 for the Negros Oriental Province's third legislative district.
In a statement, Comelec said that the special poll fill the vacancy in the House of Representatives (HOR) created by virtue of the expulsion of former Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia has confirmed that the poll body has officially received the Certification of Permanent Vacancy and the Resolution Calling for a Special Election from the HoR.
Under COMELEC Resolution No. 10945, aspirants have three days to file their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for Member, House of Representatives in the 3rd District, Negros Oriental, from Nov. 6 to 8.
After the filing Period, the election period will commence, which will be from Nov. 9 to Dec. 24, 2023. During the election period, the gun ban is in effect.
"Thus, it is prohibited to bear, carry, or transport firearms or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle, or public conveyance, or even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless the appropriate Certificate of Authority has been secured from the Comelec," the poll body said.
During the election period, the specific prohibited acts are the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds; the construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works, etc.; and the appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of new positions, filling of new positions, promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privileges.
The campaign period will be from Nov. 9 to Dec. 7. But starting December 8, 2023, or the eve of election day, until Dec. 9, Election Day, campaigning is prohibited.
A liquor Ban is also in effect from Dec. 8 to 9.
Voting hours on Dec. 9 are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Upon close voting, the counting and canvassing of votes and the proclamation of winning candidates will immediately follow.
The last day to file Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) is on January 8, 2024.
Negros Oriental's third district has a total of 301,264 voters. Garcia said that P75 million has been allotted for the special election there.