Aspiring candidate files COC for Negros Oriental special poll

Photo from the Commission on Elections

MANILA, Philippines — On the second day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) to replace expelled Negros Oriental 3rd district Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., a single aspiring candidate showed up and submitted his COC.

The period for the filing of COCs is set from Nov. 6 to 11, for the special elections on December 9 to elect a congressman replacing Teves.

According to the Comelec as of 5 p.m, Tuesday, only Reynaldo Lopez who is running independently, has so far filed a COC.

READ: Special election to replace Negros Oriental Rep. Teves set on Dec. 9

It can be recalled that on August 26, 2023, Teves was expelled from the roll of the House of Representatives for chronic absence and indecent conduct, with 256 members voting to adopt the recommendation of the House committee on ethics and privileges.

READ: Barangay, SK polls in Negros Oriental under Comelec control

His absences were rooted on the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo in March, whose mastermind is alleged to be Teves.

Comelec chair George Garcia previously said that because of several cases of political violence in the province, the poll body is studying placing the third district of Negros Oriental under its control during the special elections.