Comelec eyes ‘caretaker’ or special polls for convicted solon’s seat

MANILA, Philippines – A “caretaker” lawmaker could represent the district of convicted drug trafficker Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson if he would push through with a plan to resign or if he would be expelled from Congress, a member of the Commission on Elections said Saturday.

Election Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said a lawmaker from a neighboring congressional district could represent Singson’s district as “caretaker” in the event he resigns or is expelled, or special elections could be held to elect a new representative.

“Without commenting on the merits…there could be a caretaker, someone from the nearest district who could become a caretaker of the district to be vacated by Singson,” Sarmiento said.

“The other one is we could hold special elections instead of having a caretaker congressman. Those are the two options,” he added.

A Hong Kong court sentenced last February 24 Singson to 18 months in jail after he was convicted of drug trafficking.

Singson’s colleagues in Congress have called for his expulsion but the disgraced lawmaker’s father, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, said that his son would step down voluntarily.

Sarmiento said Congress would have to pass a resolution if special elections were to be held in Singson’s district for the election of his successor.

“They will decide. Like in the past, we will wait for the resolution from Congress asking for the holding of special elections in a district vacated by a congressman,” Sarmiento said.

He said that should a “caretaker” take over, he or she should be an incumbent member of Congress.

“The caretaker… could become the voice [of Singson’s constituents] because he or she was also elected by the people,” Sarmiento said.

He added that the Comelec would coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management to determine if there was still enough money to hold special elections for Singson’s congressional seat.