The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is preparing for a special election in Batanes following the death of Lone District Representative Ciriaco “Jun” Gato Jr. on Monday, September 21.
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia said he called an emergency meeting with the poll body’s field officials on Tuesday, September 22, to discuss preparations for the special election, according to a report by RH Tina Nolasco on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
Garcia said the election must be held not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days from the date the congressional seat became vacant.
The poll body is also studying the possibility of holding the special election simultaneously with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), should the BSKE push through on November 2.
Garcia, however, clarified that the 60-day minimum period must first be observed before the special election can be conducted.
Gato, who chaired the House Committee on Health, died on Monday at the age of 66, according to the Batanes provincial government.
