Nelson Morales

Comelec pushes ahead with special elections in Antipolo despite budget shortfall

Article (news)

Carlos Trazo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed today that the special elections in Antipolo’s second district will proceed on March 14, 2026, even as the commission faces a significant budget gap.COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia revealed that only ₱11 million has been approved for the polls, far short of the ₱98 million needed. Garcia said he has formally appealed to Malacañang for assistance to cover the shortfall.“Pinakiusap ko talaga sa ating Palasyo na baka pwede po kaming tulungan sa 98 million pesos na budget [ng special elections sa Antipolo] dahil 11 million lang po ang budget na na-approve ni COMELEC. Sa kasalukuyan ay nagpe-prepare na po kami, tuloy na po ang March 14 special elections. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa local government ng Antipolo at ng buong Rizal, sapagkat tinutulungan po kami dito sa mga pasilidad na gagamitin natin para sa ating halalan,” Garcia said.He explained that the date was chosen to avoid disrupting classes, as March 14 falls on a Saturday. The COMELEC en banc has also passed a resolution requesting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare the day a non-working holiday in Antipolo’s second district to ensure voter participation.Additionally, Garcia said the commission is seeking authority to place the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) under COMELEC supervision during the election period to safeguard the integrity and security of the polls.Local officials in Antipolo and Rizal have pledged logistical support, providing facilities and assistance to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.The special elections were called following the death of Representative Romeo Acop on December 20, 2025, which left the congressional seat for Antipolo’s second district vacant. <div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2025/12/21/antipolo-rep-romeo-acop-dies-after-heart-attack-1337">READ: Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop dies after heart attack</a></div>Under the Constitution, a special election must be held within 60 to 90 days of a vacancy in the House of Representatives. COMELEC acted swiftly, citing Supreme Court precedent that allows reliance on public reports to confirm vacancies without waiting for a formal declaration from Congress.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed today that the special elections in Antipolo’s second district will proceed on March 14, 2026, even as the commission faces a significant budget gap.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) confirmed today that the special elections in Antipolo’s second district will proceed on March 14, 2026, even as the commission faces a significant budget gap.