THE Commission on Elections is studying the possibility of placing Negros Oriental’s third district under its control when it holds special polls next month to elect a replacement for expelled representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.
The special election is scheduled on December 9, and the filing of certificates of candidacy for the post is on November 6 to 11.
“Now, we are studying also the possibility of placing the entire district of Negros, yung district lang, hindi po probinsya, under Comelec control,” Comelec chair George Garcia said in a press conference.
Placing an area under Comelec control means the poll body would have supervision over the government officials and employees and would have authority over the police.
Teves is facing murder charges for the killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and has been tagged as a terrorist by the government’s Anti-Terrorism Council.
Since the attack on Degamo, Teves made himself scarce and did not attend House of Representatives sessions in person. He later tried but failed to seek asylum in Timor Leste.
He was expelled from the House of Representatives for his absences and disorderly conduct.
He remains at large.
