THE battle for Dasmariñas City’s lone congressional seat kicked into high gear after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved the election timetable and cleared former representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga to seek a political comeback.
The special election, scheduled for Aug. 29, aims to fill the post vacated by Barzaga following his expulsion from the House of Representatives last month for disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a House member, including repeated failure to perform his duty as a lawmaker.
Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco on Monday said that aspiring candidates may file their certificates of candidacy from July 15 to 17.
As speculations swirl over a Barzaga comeback, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the former lawmaker remains qualified to run despite his removal from office.
“His removal as congressman does not carry perpetual disqualification from holding public office,” Garcia said, stressing that only certain criminal convictions, particularly those involving moral turpitude, can permanently bar a candidate from seeking office.
Emerging as Barzaga's potential contender is former Cavite congressman Gilbert Remulla, brother of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. The younger Remulla once represented Cavite’s former second district, which included Dasmariñas, before losing to the late Elpidio Barzaga Jr. in 2007.
The prospect of a Barzaga return and a possible Remulla bid is expected to intensify the race for one of Cavite’s most influential political posts.
The election period will run from July 30 to Sept. 13. During this period, vote-buying, vote-selling and election-related fundraising activities such as dances, lotteries and cockfights are strictly prohibited. Betting on the outcome of the election is likewise banned.
The carrying of firearms and deadly weapons, as well as the unauthorized use of security personnel and bodyguards by candidates, will not be allowed.
The Comelec also warned against threats, intimidation and coercion directed at election officials and personnel.
Campaigning will be allowed from July 30 to Aug. 27. The traditional campaign ban will take effect on Aug. 28 and election day, when all forms of campaigning will be prohibited.
The liquor ban and the prohibition on giving or accepting free transportation, food, drinks and other items of value will also be enforced during the prescribed periods.