Comelec Announces Potential Cancellation of Antipolo Special Elections for Lone Candidate
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has revealed that the special elections scheduled for March 14, 2026, in the Second Legislative District of Antipolo City might not proceed under specific circumstances. According to Resolution No. 11186, the poll body stated that if only one candidate files a certificate of candidacy and is deemed eligible, the special election will be scrapped.
Proclamation Process for Lone Qualified Candidate
In such a scenario, the Comelec en banc has outlined a clear procedure. The District Board of Canvassers of Antipolo City will convene on March 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. to officially proclaim the lone qualified candidate for the position of Member of the House of Representatives. This proclamation would effectively deem the candidate elected without the need for a public vote, streamlining the electoral process in cases of uncontested races.
The resolution explicitly states: "In case 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 shall not hold the special election as scheduled." This move aims to reduce unnecessary expenditure and logistical efforts when the outcome is predetermined.
Handling Petitions and Disqualifications
However, the Comelec has established safeguards. If a petition is filed to declare the lone candidate a nuisance, deny due course, or cancel their certificate of candidacy within the allowed period, the Commission must resolve it no later than March 14, 2026. Failure to decide within this timeframe will result in the dismissal of the case, allowing the lone candidate to be proclaimed and assume office not earlier than the scheduled Election Day.
Additionally, the special elections will not be held if the disqualification, declaration as a nuisance candidate, or denial or cancellation of the certificate of candidacy for the lone candidate is decided with finality on or before March 14, 2026. In such instances, the Comelec en banc will certify to the House of Representatives the non-holding of the special election due to these reasons.
Candidate Filing and Substitution Rules
The period for filing certificates of candidacy for the special polls in Antipolo's Second District is set from February 5 to 7, 2026. The Comelec has also detailed rules for candidate substitution, which differ from previous elections. For candidates belonging to duly registered political parties or coalitions, substitution is permitted in cases of death, disqualification, or withdrawal after the filing deadline.
A substitute candidate must possess all qualifications and none of the disqualifications for the position and can file a certificate of candidacy up to mid-day of Election Day. This rule marks a change from the May 2025 polls, where substitution due to withdrawal was only allowed within the same period as filing the certificate of candidacy.
Importantly, no substitution is allowed for independent candidates, maintaining a stricter standard for those running without party affiliation. The names of substitute candidates will be reflected in the Certified List of Official Candidates. If not included, election officers in Antipolo City must manually update ballots by striking out the original candidate's name and writing in the substitute's name.
Vote Counting Procedures for Substitutes
During vote counting and canvassing, if a substitute's name is on the List of Official Candidates, votes cast in their favor will be counted accordingly. Conversely, if the substitute's name is not listed, votes cast for the candidate who withdrew or died will be counted in favor of the substitute. This ensures that voter intent is respected despite last-minute changes in candidacy.
This comprehensive framework by the Comelec aims to ensure a smooth and efficient electoral process for the Antipolo special elections, balancing flexibility for political parties with integrity measures for uncontested races.
