Antipolo: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that the special elections for the second legislative district of Antipolo City, scheduled for March 14, will be canceled if only one candidate files a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and is deemed eligible to run.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Comelec en banc stated in Resolution No. 11186 that if there is only one candidate qualified for the position of Member, House of Representatives, Second Legislative District, Antipolo City, and is thereby deemed elected, the Commission will not hold the special election as initially planned. The District Board of Canvassers of Antipolo City will be authorized to convene and proclaim the lone qualified candidate.

In such a scenario, the poll body will proceed with the proclamation of the lone qualified candidate, with the District Board of Canvassers of Antipolo City convening on March 14 at 10 a.m. However, if a petition to declare the candidate as a nuisance or to deny due course or cancel the COC is filed within the allowed period, the Commission will resolve the petition by March 14. If the petition is not decided by this date, it will be dismissed, and the candidate will be proclaimed and assume office no earlier than the scheduled Election Day.

Furthermore, the Comelec noted that there would be no special elections if disqualification or cancellation of the COC is finalized on or before March 14. In such cases, the Commission En Banc will certify to the House of Representatives the non-holding of a special election due to the disqualification or cancellation of the COC of the lone candidate.

The filing period for the COCs for the special polls is set from February 5 to 7.