The National Unity Party (NUP) on Monday called for a special election to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the death of Antipolo City 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop, who passed away on December 20, due to a heart attack.
NUP Secretary General Reginald Velasco emphasized the constitutional mandate for such an election, citing Article VI, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution: “In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.”
Acop was elected in May 2025 and was set to serve until June 30, 2028. Velasco noted that under Republic Act No. 7166, a special election must be held within 60 to 90 days if a vacancy occurs at least one year before the term ends.
“Under this provision, where the vacancy occurs at least one year before the end of the term, the special election is not discretionary. COMELEC is required to call and hold the election within the statutory period,” he said.
Velasco added that the special election could take place between February 18 and March 20, 2026. He also referenced a Supreme Court ruling affirming that COMELEC’s duty to conduct the election is mandatory and independent of any House certification.
“The duty to call and hold the special election rests squarely on COMELEC,” Velasco stressed.