Special Poll Set for Vacant Batanes Congressional Seat on Nov. 28

MANILA, Philippines — A special election will be conducted in Batanes on Nov. 28 to fill a vacancy in the House of Representatives following the death of Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., according to the Commission on Elections. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body approved the date for the special election in the province’s lone congressional district. The Comelec has allocated P10 million for the special election, which will be sourced from its remaining savings, if available, Garcia said. “We have also approved the calendar of activities including the dates for the filing of certificates of candidacy,” he said. The Comelec earlier said a special election must be held within the period prescribed for filling a congressional vacancy. The special poll will proceed separately from the 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, which the Comelec suspended following the signing into law of Republic Act 12326 yesterday.