Comelec receives 7 COCs for March 14 special polls in Antipolo
MANILA, Philippines — A total of seven applicants have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the congressional race in the special elections for the second district of Antipolo City, including two incumbent councilors.
The period of filing for the COCs ran from February 5-7, 2026. The special elections will be held on March 14, 2026 following the passing of Rep. Romeo Acop in December 2025.
READ: Comelec sets special polls in 2nd district of Antipolo City
The following filed their COCs, based on the data sent by Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia to the media as of Saturday, 5:12 p.m.:
- Infante, Dandin Yanos (COC filed on February 5)
- Llaga, Reden Noble (COC filed on February 6)
- Sumulong III, Lorenzo Juan Yu (COC filed on February 6)
- Cafirma, Maria Trinidad Galang (COC filed on February 6)
- Acop, Philip Conrad Marrero (COC filed on February 7)
- Lobigas, Nathaniel Adao (COC filed on February 7)
- Tapales, Irvin Paulo Carillo (COC filed on February 7)
During the May 2025 midterm elections, Sumulong garnered the highest number of votes for the councilor position with 98,048 votes, while Tapales ranked eighth in the race with 85,271 votes.
Garcia on Friday warned candidates for the special elections that campaigning before the start of the campaign period is not allowed, as premature campaigning will be observed, as the polls will be done manually. Garcia explained that those who filed their COCs will be considered as candidates on the day they submitted their COCs.
READ: COC filing for Antipolo’s 2nd district special poll set Feb. 5 to 7
The campaign period will begin from February 12, 2026 until March 12, 2026. The following acts 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
Aside from this, the poll body warned that the following activities are not allowed from February 12, 2026 to March 13, 2026:
- Release or disbursement of public funds
- Construction of public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds
- Appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of positions, promotion of employees
Aside from these, the poll body banned the release of public funds, including 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 medical and burial expenses from March 4, 2026 to March 13, 2026. /cb
