COC filing for Antipolo’s 2nd district special poll set Feb. 5 to 7
MANILA, Philippines — The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the special election for a new representative in the second legislative district of Antipolo City will be held from February 5-7, 2026, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
This is in line with the Comelec Resolution No. 11185, which provides for the calendar of activities and periods of certain prohibited acts for the special election on March 14, 2026. The polls will be held following the death of Rep. Romeo Acop last December.
The poll body also banned release of public funds, such as funds for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, except for burial and medical assistance.
READ: Comelec sets March 14 special polls for vacant House seat
The Comelec set the campaign period from February 12, 2026 to March 12, 2026. The following activities are prohibited during this period:
- Removing, destroying, tampering or preventing distribution of lawful election materials
- Posting, displaying, distributing illegal campaign materials
- Making any cash or in-kind donations
- Appointing or using special policemen, or confidential agents
- Using armored land, water, or aircraft
- Policemen and provincial guards acting as personal bodyguards of public officials or candidates
The following acts are also not allowed during the election period, which is scheduled from February 12, 2026 to March 29, 2026:
- Alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct
- Bearing, carrying or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons in public places
- Use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates
- Transfer or detail of officers and employees in the civil service, including public school teachers
- Organization of maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces
- Suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officials
- Fundraising through dances, lotteries, cockfights, etc.
- Vote-buying and vote-selling
- Coercing, threatening, intimidating, or terrorizing any election official performing their election functions
- Illegal release of prisoners before and after elections
- Organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or similar forces
- Suspension of local elective officials
During the eve of the election, March 13, 2026, the poll body also bans giving and accepting of free transportation and food and selling and taking alcoholic beverages.
READ: Comelec to Marcos: Make March 14 holiday in Antipolo for special polls
On election day, voters may cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. while counting of votes, canvassing of election returns and proclamation of winning candidate will also be held on election day.
The following acts are prohibited on election day:
- Campaigning
- Using voter’s affidavit of another for the purpose of voting, whether they succeeded in voting or not
- Destroying, substituting or taking custody of any election form or box which contains official ballots
- Voting more than once or in substitution of another
- Soliciting of votes for or against a candidate within the polling place or within 20 meters thereof
- Selling, buying, and taking alcoholic beverages
- Selling of merchandise or refreshments within 30-meter radius from the polling place
- Giving or accepting free food or transportation
- Holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse race or similar sports
The Comelec also said that candidates have until April 13, 2026 to submit their statements of contribution and expenditures. /jpv
