Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has sufficient funds to conduct a special election in Cavite, Malaca±ang said on Thursday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) informed the Palace of the availability of existing funds that Comelec could utilize for the electoral exercise.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia previously stated that the poll body would require around PHP200 million to hold the elections. However, Castro confirmed in a Palace press briefing that the DBM assured them of the necessary funds, indicating that Comelec's current funds are adequate for the election. This statement followed Comelec's request for additional funding assistance for the special polls.

The special election in Cavite's 4th District is slated for August 2026, aiming to fill the vacant seat in the House of Representatives left by the expulsion of former representative Francisco Barzaga Jr., who was removed for disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of the House Code of Conduct.

The Comelec has scheduled the certificate of candidacy filing period for July 15 to 17, with the election period starting on July 30. Garcia expressed the intent to proclaim the winning member of the House of Representatives on the morning of August 30, following the election on August 29.

Garcia mentioned that no circumstances currently seem to hinder the election process. Additionally, he hopes August 29 will be declared a holiday in the city to encourage voter participation. Cavite's fourth legislative district comprises 437,730 registered voters, 43 voting centers, and 3,166 clustered precincts.