ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially opened the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the vacant seat in Antipolo City’s 2nd District, left empty after the death of Representative Romeo Acop last year. The filing period began today and will continue until February 7, giving prospective candidates several days to submit their intentions to run in the upcoming special elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia encouraged candidates not to wait until the last day to file, emphasizing that early submissions allow the commission to thoroughly review documents and ensure there are no deficiencies. The poll body anticipates around five to six candidates will enter the race, reflecting both the political interest in the district and the competitive nature of local politics.

However, the process faces a financial challenge. The Comelec estimates that around ₱98 million will be required to conduct the special election. This is despite the fact that only ₱11 million was allocated for recall and special elections in the 2026 national budget. The commission has already requested additional funding from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), though this request has not yet been granted.

The situation highlights the broader challenges of managing democratic processes within tight budgetary constraints. Special elections, while critical for ensuring representation, can strain resources and require careful planning to maintain transparency and efficiency. Beyond logistics, this upcoming election also raises questions about political continuity and voter engagement. How can the district honor the legacy of the late Rep. Acop while ensuring a fair and competitive election? And more broadly, do budget constraints risk undermining the integrity and accessibility of special elections in the Philippines? (Larawan mula sa: BRIGADA)