No untoward incident so far as Antipolo special polls begin – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — No untoward incident has been reported so far as voting for the special elections in the second district of Antipolo City rolls out on Saturday, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

This was the assessment of Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia as he inspected several voting places during the start of the early voting period from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. This voting window is dedicated to senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. 

“What’s good about the early voting hours is that voters will not have to endure hot weather. Some of them may experience high blood pressure due to the heat. So far, there have been no such cases, and there is also no untoward incident reported. We are monitoring it in our operations center,” Garcia said, mostly in Filipino during an interview. 

READ: Voting precincts for Antipolo special polls now open

Garcia also said that many voters have taken advantage of the early voting period, including those who were not from these vulnerable sectors. He added that the poll body had instructed the teachers designated as electoral board members to allow them to vote, as the precincts are already open. 

The Comelec said that there are a total number of 252,793 from eight barangays in the registered voters in the second district. Garcia noted that 30% to 35% of this population is composed of the vulnerable sector. 

Priority polling precincts

Garcia also said that some members of the vulnerable sector are confused about the purpose of the priority polling precinct (PPP). This precinct is on the ground floor of a voting place, where the voters do not have to personally go to their polling precincts, as support staff will get their ballots for them. 

Garcia noted that in using the PPP, they would have to sign a waiver authorizing the support staff to personally get their ballots so they won’t have a hard time going to their precincts. Garcia said that some voted in the PPP and still insisted on personally dropping their ballots in the ballot boxes.

READ: Comelec eyes proclamation of Antipolo special polls winner on March 15

“Even if they have accomplished their ballots in the PPP, if they still insist on personally submitting them, they will be assisted to their designated precinct. If they want to go to their precinct, their ballots will be entrusted to the support staff,” Garcia added in Filipino. 

The regular voting period will run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meanwhile, Garcia said that the District Board of Canvassers will convene at 6 p.m. to proceed with the canvassing of votes as the elections are done manually. 

The special elections are held following the death of Rep. Romeo Acop in December 2025. The six candidates vying for the position are: Bong Acop, Baby Cafirma, Dan Infante, Red Llaga, Atty. Nat Lobigas, and Atty. Paui Tapales. /jpv