The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will conduct a special election for the second district of Antipolo following the death of Rep. Romeo Acop in December last year due to cardiac arrest.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the Constitution requires a special election to be held at least 60 days after a position becomes vacant, but no later than 90 days.

The election is scheduled for 14 March and will be conducted manually, with an estimated cost of P98 million.

Garcia said the Commission has requested funds from the Office of the President’s contingency fund, as the agency only has P11 million allocated in this year’s national budget.

“The second district of Antipolo has roughly 300,000 voters, the highest of any district in the Philippines,” Garcia added.