The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to hold a special election in Batanes on 19 December to fill the congressional seat vacated following the death of Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced Tuesday.

Gato died in Manila on 21 September, prompting poll officials to initiate plans to replace the late lawmaker.

“We will conduct a special election,” Garcia confirmed, adding that he will formally present the 19 December date to the Comelec en banc for approval next week.

Selecting a Saturday election date aims to maximize turnout among the island province’s approximately 30,000 registered voters, Garcia said.

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, special elections to fill legislative vacancies must be conducted between 60 and 90 days after a seat is officially vacated.

Addressing potential financial hurdles, Garcia assured that Comelec would secure funding for the emergency vote, pointing to judicial precedent.

“The Supreme Court ruled that a lack of funds is not a valid reason to forgo holding an election,” Garcia noted, referencing a 2025 high court decision.

If the 2 November Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections are postponed by law, Comelec plans to reallocate surplus materials — including indelible ink, ballot pens, and fingerprint pads — for the Batanes exercise.

“Our main remaining operational costs will be the honoraria for teachers serving on election boards, personnel mobilization, and the printing of official ballots,” Garcia said.