A special election is needed to fill the vacant 2nd District seat of Antipolo City following the death of Congressman Romeo Acop on December 20, 2025, lawmakers said.
Reported by DZRH’s Milky Rigonan, National Unity Party (NUP) Secretary General Reginald Velasco said that the legal basis for the special election is found in the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 7166, which mandate a special election whenever a permanent vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives at least one year before the end of the term.
Acop’s position was officially declared vacant the day he passed away, December 20, making the seat subject to the mandatory special election. By law, the election must be held no earlier than 60 days and no later than 90 days from the vacancy, meaning it could take place between February 18 and March 20, 2026.
Velasco also cited the Supreme Court ruling in Hagedorn v. House of Representatives, which clarified that no certification from the House is required before Comelec can act on the vacancy.
Acop previously assumed his position under the new three-year term which started on June 30, 2025. The winner of the special election will serve only the remainder of his term.
Memorial service held for late Congressman
A requiem Mass and memorial service were held at the House of Representatives’ Plenary Hall to honor Acop. The event was attended by House Speaker Faustino Dy III and members of the 20th Congress.
Eulogies were delivered by Antipolo Representative Ronnie Puno, NUP officials, and former colleagues from the 19th Congress, including former Congressmen Robert Ace Barbers, Joseph Stephen Paduano, Dan Fernandez, Speaker Dy, and former General Leopoldo Bataoil.
Acop served as representative of Antipolo City’s 2nd District during the 15th, 16th, and 17th Congresses from 2010 to 2019 and returned for the 19th and 20th Congresses from 2022 until his passing.
Prior to the Christmas recess, the House approved House Resolution No. 601, expressing condolences to Acop’s family and recognizing his life and public service. He passed away at the age of 78 due to a heart attack.
