Marcos declares March 14 holiday for Antipolo 2nd district special polls
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared March 14 a special nonworking holiday in areas comprising the second legislative district of Antipolo City in Rizal province, for the conduct of a special election.
“There is a need to declare Saturday, 14 March 2026, as a special (non-working) holiday to enable the people of the areas comprising the Second Legislative District of the City of Antipolo to properly exercise their right to vote,” Proclamation No. 1173 read.
The proclamation was signed by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Feb. 20, 2026 by authority of the president.
Antipolo’s second congressional district consists of the eastern Antipolo barangays of Calawis, Cupang, Dalig, Inarawan, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis and San Roque.
A special election will be held following the death of Representative Romeo Acop on Dec. 20, 2025.
READ: Comelec posts online 7 COCs for special elections in Antipolo City
Seven candidates originally were running to fill the unserved term of Acop, but incumbent Councilor Lorenzo Juan “LJ” Sumulong III backed out of the race on Feb. 17.
Sumulong, the congressional aspirant from the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), said his decision “focuses on unity, order and continuous service to the Second District.”
READ: LJ Sumulong withdraws from Antipolo special polls – Comelec
Sumulong’s withdrawal leaves only six bets vying for the position to represent Antipolo’s second district.
These were the late lawmaker’s son, Philip Conrad.
He was nominated by the National Unity Power (NUP), where Acop was a long-time member; as well as independent candidates Dandin Infante, Reden Llama, Maria Trinidad Cafirma, Nathaniel Lobigas and Irvin Paulo Tapales.
Under Republic Act No. 6645, as amended by RA 7166, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is mandated to call and conduct a special election in the event that a permanent vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives at least one year before the expiration of the term.
The election must be held not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days following the vacancy. /apl
