By Ferdinand Patinio/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday announced the holding of the special elections for representatives of the first and second districts of Southern Leyte and the first and third districts of South Cotabato on October 26 this year.
The holding of special elections is pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 10551 which provides guidelines and important dates pertaining to the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) and nomination and acceptance (CONA) by candidates of political parties or coalitions for electing the district representatives of Southern Leyte and South Cotabato.
It added that the filing of COC for the position of district representative shall be filed with the respective Office of the Provincial Supervisor (OPES) that has jurisdiction over the elective position from Aug. 26 to Aug. 28, 2019.
The poll body noted that political parties or coalitions may submit a new list of authorized signatories and specimen signatures before the Comelec not later than August 15.
On the other hand, the Comelec set the last day of filing of a request for correction of the name to appear on the ballot on Sept. 11 while substitute candidates will have until Sept. 18 to file their request.
The substitute of an official candidate of a duly registered political party or coalition who withdrew his candidacy may file a COC not later than Sept. 16.
In case of death or disqualification by final judgment, the substitute who shall bear the same surname as the substituted may file a COC up to mid-day of Election Day.
The holding of elections for district representatives of these provinces was not held on May 13, 2019 due to operational and logistical constraints following the passage of laws reapportioning the legislative districts of the two provinces.
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 11198 reapportioning Southern Leyte into two legislative districts became effective on February 19 this year while R.A. No. 11243 reapportioning the first legislative district of South Cotabato became effective on April 4, 2019.
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