Special elections in Negros Oriental slated for December 9 were canceled
COMELEC – The Commission on Elections has called off the special election slated for December 9 in the third district of Negros Oriental, which was meant to fill the vacant position of expelled legislator Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr.
This decision was made after the electoral body endorsed the suggestion from its legal department and a House resolution advocating the postponement of the special polls.
Garcia informed the press that earlier in the afternoon, the Comelec en banc agreed with the recommendation of their law department, stating that House Resolution 136, which proposed holding special elections in the Third Legislative District of Negros Oriental, is considered recalled and abandoned following the approval of House Resolution 154.
Therefore, acknowledging Congress’s legislative authority, the Law Department and the Comelec en banc opted to terminate the special elections in the Third Legislative District of Negros Oriental, instructing the Commission to halt its current preparations for the said election, as explained by Garcia.
The House passed House Resolution 154 on November 7, just a day before Pryde Henry Teves submitted his certificate of candidacy (COC) for his brother’s previous position.
Arnie Teves was expelled from the House of Representatives due to disruptive behavior and continued absence from House proceedings despite an expired travel authority. Arnie Teves is facing charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder in connection to the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
Both Arnie Teves and Henry have been labeled as “terrorists” by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) due to the incidents of killings and intimidation in Negros Oriental. Pryde Henry, on the other hand, mentioned that he would appeal his classification as a terrorist.
