Comelec eyes control of Negros Oriental district

MANILA, Philippines — The third district of Negros Oriental may be placed under the control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during a special poll to fill the vacancy arising from the expulsion of Arnolfo Teves Jr.

“We are studying the possibility of placing the entire (third) district of Negros Oriental under Comelec control. Hopefully, we can come up with a decision by next week,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia told a press conference yesterday.

The special election is set on Dec. 9.

Garcia said the filing of certificates of candidacy would be held at the office of the provincial election supervisor from Nov. 6 to 11.

The Comelec targets the delivery of election paraphernalia by the first week of December.

The third district of Negros Oriental is composed of Bayawan City as well as the towns of Bacong, Basay, Dauin, Sta. Catalina, Siaton, Valencia and Zamboanguita.

Comelec records show that there are 301,264 registered voters in the district.

Garcia earlier said the Comelec had allotted P75 million for the special election.

Under Republic Act 6645, the Comelec is mandated to conduct a special election in case of a vacancy in the House of Representatives at least one year before the next regular election for members of Congress.

The House voted to expel Teves in August for “disorderly behavior” and “violation of the Code of Conduct” of the chamber.

An 18-page report of the House committee on ethics and privileges noted that Teves’ absence and “continuous pursuit” of his application for political asylum in Timor-Leste were “tantamount to abandonment of his public office.”

The panel also cited Teves’ designation as a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council.