Special election in Las Piñas sought

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has been asked to hold a special congressional election in Las Piñas to fill a vacancy created by the appointment of Mark Villar to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The law requires the Comelec to hold a special election within 90 days in case of vacancy in the House of Representatives, lawyer Romulo Macalintal said on Sunday.

“The law on filling vacancy in Congress provides that the special election should be conducted provided the remaining term of office is at least one year before the next regular election,” Macalintal said.

Villar, who was elected representative of the lone district of Las Piñas last May, resigned from his post on Aug. 1 after President Duterte appointed him as DPWH chief.

Macalintal said the special election for Villar’s replacement should have been held between Sept. 30 and Oct. 30.

“The Comelec should take notice of Villar’s resignation and the existence of the vacancy,” Macalintal said.

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