The special election for the third legislative district of Negros Oriental might take place in December this year, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This follows the expulsion of former representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia mentioned that the poll body might not be able to incorporate the required modifications for the special election in the province in time for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), which are scheduled for October 30.
“Hindi na po aabot sa barangay at SK elections… Mahihirapan na po. After na po. Kung sakali, ang pinakamaaga, mga December ng taong ito namin magagawa ang special election sa Negros Oriental,” he said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives endorsed a resolution urging the Comelec to conduct a special election in Negros Oriental to fill the vacant seat left by Teves.
The former congressman was ousted due to disorderly conduct and his prolonged absence despite an expired travel authority.
Garcia noted that the Comelec has not yet received the resolution from the House regarding the request for special elections in the province.
Negros Oriental special election winner will replace Arnie Teves
“May posibilidad kasi katulad nu’ng nangyari sa Valenzuela nu’ng ma-appoint si Secretary Rex Gatchalian [as Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary], hindi nagpatawag ng special elections ang House. So kung kagabi ay nagkabotohan, hihintayin namin ‘yun,” he added.
According to Republic Act 6645, the Comelec is obligated to organize a special election when a Senate vacancy occurs at least 18 months before the next regular election for members of Congress, or in the House of Representatives at least one year before the said regular election.
Republic Act 7166 stipulates that the poll body must arrange and conduct a special election to fill the vacancy within 60 to 90 days following the occurrence of the vacancy.
Since March, Teves has remained abroad, citing threats to his and his family’s safety. This came after the Department of Justice linked him to the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo on March 4. Teves has consistently denied any involvement in the crime.
Nevertheless, he has been charged with murder and other associated offenses in relation to killings that took place in Negros Oriental in 2019.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.