Scrap special polls for Ignacio Arroyo’s seat, Comelec urged

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) should scrap the scheduled special elections in June for the congressional seat in Negros Occidental left vacant by the death of Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo, a prominent election lawyer said on Saturday.

Romulo Macalintal said the Comelec should instead ask Congress to reconsider its resolution calling for special elections in the fifth district of Negros Occidental since the country is going to hold general elections next year.

“The Comelec should instead advise the House of Representatives to reconsider its resolution in view of the closeness of the activities for 2013 polls and the fact that the winner (would not be able to) practically move anymore due to election bans on the release of funds and public works projects in line with the 2013 election,” Macalintal said.

Macalintal noted that while Comelec had said that it would hold the special elections on June 2, it has yet to issue a resolution notifying the public of the election.

“Time constraints in holding the special election should be considered by Comelec,” Macalintal said.

“By October 1, candidates for the 2013 elections will already be filing their COCs (certificates of candidacy). Hence, it is so impractical to hold such an election on June 2,” he added.

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) earlier made the same suggestion, saying the special elections would be a “total waste” since the 2013 election was less than a year away. A special election would cost the public around P30 million.

“It is highly unconscionable, impractical, and senseless to hold elections for the position left vacant by the death of Rep. Iggy Arroyo. The PPCRV sees no public good or service for such special elections,” the PPCRV said.

“The position, power and other perks that go with a congressional seat could just be used to promote the campaign of the one elected. A total waste!” it said.

The PPCRV also pointed out that the ban on public works projects will begin in February 2013 “so that whoever wins in the June 2, 2012 special elections cannot implement or even contract for any public works project that will benefit his or her constituents.”

“The PPCRV implores Congress to be sensitive to the real needs of the people and to the wise utilization of public funds,” the group said.

“During the hard times when making both ends meet is such a dilemma for the majority of Filipinos, we implore Congress and all our public officials to please cease and desist from highly partisan acts that benefit only politicians and some vested interests,” it said.