Provincial Comelec Supervisor Jessie Suarez yesterday said the filing of certificates of candidacy for the June 2 special election for the 5 th congressional seat in Negros Occidental is slated on May 13 to 14.

Suarez, however, said yesterday that they have yet to receive the calendar of activities for special elections, although he was already informed in advance of the activities.

He also said the 15-day campaign period will start on May 17, while the election period kicks off April 18.

Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol and his nephew, Board Member Emilio Yulo III, initially appear to be heading for a showdown for the vacated congressional seat, that was brought about by the death of Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo.

Mirasol was endorsed by the United Negros Alliance as its official candidate, with the support of four of the five mayors in the district.

The 15-day campaign period will end on May 31.

As soon as he receives the calendar of activities for the June 2 special election, Suarez said he will preside over a command conference with leaders of the military and police in Negros Occidental, to discuss the security arrangements and identification of election areas of concern in the 5 th district.

The Commission on Election has earmarked P21.6 million for the special election.

As of January 2012, the number of registered voters in the 5 th district were 206,466 with 29,200 in Binalbagan, 41,682 in Hinigaran, 28,835 in Isabela,  35,307 in La Castellana, 20,936 in Moises Padilla and 50,506 in Himamaylan City.

On the other hand, the Provincial Comelec Office in Negros Occidental has already been furnished the calendar of activities for the May 2013 synchronized elections.

Suarez said the filing of COC for candidates vying for elective national and local positions will be on October 1 to 5. He had earlier proposed the postponement of the filing of COC from October to November, as the registration of voters is still underway during the period. * GPB

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