MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced on Tuesday, September 22, that it will organize a special election in Batanes to elect a new representative following the death of its lone district lawmaker, Ciriaco Gato Jr.
Gato, 66, passed away on Monday after suffering a cardiac arrest.
The poll body has already initiated preparations to address the vacancy created by the lawmaker’s sudden demise.
“Kakailanganin namin mag-conduct ng special elections,” COMELEC Chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia told reporters.
“Nagpatawag tayo ng emergency meeting ng ating field officials ngayong araw,” he added.
According to statutory requirements, the special election must be scheduled within a window of 60 to 90 days starting from September 21.
When asked about the possibility of holding the special vote alongside the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), Garcia noted that while logistically feasible depending on the final schedule, time constraints remain a consideration.
“Kung matutuloy ang BSKE sa November 2, baka kayanin. Kaya lang wala pa (sa) 60 days,” he added.
This will mark another special poll conducted by COMELEC, following an earlier special election held for the legislative district of Dasmariñas City, Cavite, after the House of Representatives expelled its former representative, Kiko Barzaga, in June.