Comelec Halts Voter Registration in Antipolo for Special Election Preparations
In a significant move to prepare for the upcoming special elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced the temporary suspension of voter registration activities in the Second Legislative District of Antipolo City. This decision comes as the poll body focuses its resources on the March 14 special polls, which aim to fill the congressional seat left vacant by the late Representative Romeo Acop.
Suspension Details and Timeline
According to an official statement released by the Comelec, all ongoing voter registration processes in Antipolo City's Second District have been put on hold. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until March 22, 2026. This strategic pause allows election officials to concentrate fully on administering the special election without the added complexity of processing new voter applications.
The Comelec emphasized that this temporary measure is necessary to ensure a smooth and orderly electoral process for the district's approximately 300,000 registered voters. With this substantial voter base, the Second District of Antipolo City holds the distinction of being the largest congressional district in the Philippines in terms of registered voters, adding importance to the election preparations.
Voter Eligibility and Election Schedule
The poll body has established a clear cut-off date for voter eligibility in the upcoming special election. Only individuals who were registered in the Second District of Antipolo City as of December 20, 2025, will be permitted to cast their ballots on March 14. This decision ensures that the voter list remains stable and manageable during the special election period.
The special election was necessitated by the untimely passing of Representative Romeo Acop in December 2025. His death created a vacancy in the House of Representatives for the Antipolo City (Second District) seat. In response, the Comelec scheduled the special election for March 14, 2026, adhering to legal requirements that mandate such elections be held not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days from the date the vacancy occurs.
Political Implications and Future Outlook
The candidate who emerges victorious in the March 14 special election will assume office promptly and serve out the remainder of Acop's term in the 20th Congress. This term is set to continue until June 2028, giving the new representative a substantial period to influence legislative matters and represent the interests of Antipolo's Second District constituents.
This suspension of voter registration highlights the Comelec's proactive approach to election management, particularly in districts with large voter populations. By temporarily halting registration activities, the commission aims to:
- Streamline administrative processes for the special election
- Prevent potential confusion among new registrants
- Ensure accurate voter verification and ballot preparation
- Maintain the integrity of the electoral process in a high-stakes contest
As Antipolo City prepares for this important political event, residents and political observers will be watching closely to see how the suspension affects voter engagement and election outcomes. The Comelec's decision underscores the careful balancing act required when managing special elections within the framework of regular electoral activities.
