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Comelec to scrap Cavite polls in case only 1 bet files candidacy

By Ferdinand Patinio

November 25, 2022, 1:20 pm

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is ready to scrap the holding of the special polls for the congressional seat of the seventh district of the province of Cavite in case there is only one aspirant who will run for the post.

"(In the event) that there is only one candidate qualified for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Seventh Legislative District of the Province of Cavite, and is thereby deemed elected, the Commission shall not hold the special election as scheduled," the poll body said in Resolution 10865 made public on Friday.

It added that the Provincial Board of Canvassers of Cavite will instead schedule the proclamation on February 25.

"The Provincial Board of Canvassers of the Province of Cavite, as authorized by the Commission En Banc, shall convene on February 25, 2023 at 10:00 am, to proclaim the lone qualified candidate for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Seventh Legislative District for the Province of Cavite," it said.

It noted that the proclamation without holding the special polls has no different effect than those declared winners after voting.

"The lone qualified candidate shall have the right to assume office after proclamation in the same manner as if an election by plurality of vote has been conducted," the Comelec added.

Republic Act 8295 provides that "when there is only one qualified candidate for such position, the lone candidate shall be proclaimed elected to the position".

On the other hand, the poll body has set the filing period for Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) from Dec. 5 to 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aspirants have to file their COCs at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor of the province.

The congressional post of Cavite's seventh district was left vacant after elected Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla accepted President R. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s nomination to be the Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ). (PNA)

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