Comelec Announces Full Preparedness for Antipolo Special Congressional Election
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) officially declared its complete readiness on Friday, March 13, 2026, to conduct the special congressional election for the Second District of Antipolo City. The crucial electoral exercise is scheduled to take place the following day, Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Poll Body Confirms All Systems Operational
In a detailed phone interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized that the electoral commission has made comprehensive preparations for the special polls. This election fills the congressional seat left vacant following the unfortunate passing of Representative Romeo Acop in December 2025.
"We are all systems go for the special election in Antipolo City," Garcia stated confidently, underscoring the commission's operational readiness.
Voter Participation and Candidate Lineup
A substantial electorate of 252,793 registered voters is expected to participate in this democratic process. This number includes 234 persons deprived of liberty (PDL) voters who will exercise their constitutional right to vote. The voters hail from eight barangays within the district.
Six candidates have officially filed to compete for the congressional position:
- Bong Acop
- Dandin Infante
- Reden Llaga
- Maria Trinidad Cafirma
- Nathaniel Lobigas
- Irvin Paulo Tapales
Chairman Garcia issued a direct appeal to constituents: "Let's go Antipolo City, and let's vote on Saturday."
Election Logistics and Voting Procedures
The special election will be conducted across 348 clustered precincts distributed among 36 voting centers throughout Antipolo City. Additionally, a dedicated voting facility will be established at the Antipolo City Jail specifically for PDL voters.
The Comelec has confirmed that the election will utilize a manual voting system, where voters will physically write the names of their preferred candidates on official ballots.
Voting hours have been carefully structured to accommodate all citizens:
- 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM: Exclusive voting period for senior citizens, pregnant voters, and persons with disabilities
- 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Regular voting hours for the general electorate
Canvassing and Proclamation Timeline
The District Board of Canvassers will convene at 6:00 PM on election day at the Ynares Event Center. Their responsibility includes receiving and canvassing all election returns before officially proclaiming the winning candidate.
Chairman Garcia provided a realistic timeline for the proclamation, indicating that the winning candidate will likely be announced on Sunday, March 15, rather than immediately after voting concludes.
"Since we have 348 election returns, expect that each one will be disputed by the candidates and their lawyers," Garcia explained. "This is why our prediction is that the proclamation of the winning candidate will happen a day later."
The special congressional election represents a significant democratic exercise for Antipolo City's Second District, with the Comelec demonstrating thorough preparation to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process.
