7 vie for Antipolo’s 2nd district

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February 9, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Seven people have filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for the March 14 special election for Antipolo City’s 2nd District seat, the Commission on Elections said.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the filing of COCs ended on Saturday with seven aspirants from Barangays San Jose, San Roque and San Luis vying for the post vacated after the death of Romeo Acop in December.

The seven aspirants are Dandin Infante, Reden Llaga, Lorenzo Juan Sumulong III, Maria Trinidad Cafirma, Philip Conrad Acop, Nathaniel Lobigas and Irvin Paulo Tapales.

Garcia reminded the aspirants to observe election rules, particularly on premature campaigning, noting that the official campaign period will begin only on Feb. 12.

Campaigning from Feb. 7 to 11 is prohibited, he added.

The Comelec warned aspirants against the use of public funds in campaigning, vote buying and other forms of abuses of power, including appointments, promotions, construction projects or release of aid programs.

Garcia said the Comelec has allotted over P6 million for the  printing of more than 300,000 ballots this week.

On election day, Garcia said the early voting hours would run from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. for senior citizens, pregnant women and other qualified voters.

He also confirmed that detainee-voters registered in the district would be allowed to participate, ensuring full voter inclusion.