No order yet for Batangas special polls – Comelec

ON the heels of the appointment of former Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto as the new secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said there are no plans yet to hold a special election in the 6th district of Batangas for the post he vacated.

In a phone interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they are still waiting for lawmakers to decide if a special election for a new member of the House of Representatives will be held or not.

“It depends on the House of Representatives if they will call for one,” said Garcia.

So far, he said they have not received any directive from the lower house.

“There is none so far, likely because Congress has not yet resumed session,” said Garcia.

Asked if they are ready to hold a special election if directed by Congress, the poll chief answered in the affirmative.

“Yes, we are willing and ready, but it’s not our call,” said Garcia.

Under the rules, conducting a special election by the Comelec requires the House’s issuance of a Certificate of Permanent Vacancy and a resolution calling for such.

Last week, President Marcos Jr. appointed Recto as the new finance secretary, replacing Benjamin Diokno.

The appointment resulted to Recto vacating his posts as Batangas 6th district congressman and as one of the deputy speakers at the House of Representatives.