Comelec urged to scrap polls for Iggy A’s seat

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.

“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./Inquirer.net