Comelec expects 65% voter turnout for Antipolo special polls on March 14

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday it is expecting a high voter turnout for the March 14 special elections in the second district of Antipolo City. 

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the elections body is eyeing a voter turnout of at least 65% to 70%, similar to the previous turnout in special elections in other areas. Garcia said the Comelec has yet to encounter any challenges in their preparations for the special polls.

"Sana umabot ng 65% to 70%. Declared naman na walang pasok sa second district ng Antipolo at nakita naman natin cooperation ng local government unit (LGU) na mahikayat ang mga kababayan natin na bumoto," Garcia told reporters.

(We are hoping for a 65% to 70% voter turnout. March 14 was declared a special non-working day at the second district of Antipolo for the special elections. We also saw the cooperation of the LGU to encourage constituents to vote.)

"Kapag plebiscite umaabot ng 96% ang turnout natin. Kapag special election gaya nu'ng sa Cavite ay about 68%. So 65% to 70% ay reasonable at practical na sana ma-reach natin," he said. 

(Plebiscites usually have a 96% turnout. For special polls, like in Cavite, it is usually at 68%. So an expected turnout of 65% to 70% is reasonable and practical. We are hoping to reach that.)

In January, the Comelec announced it would conduct a special election in the congressional district to fill the House seat vacated following the passing of late Representative Romeo Acop in December 2025. 

A total of six candidates are vying for the House seat after LJ Sumulong withdrew his bid. They are Dandin Infante, Reden Llaga, Ma. Trinidad Galang, Philip Conrad Acop, Nathaniel Lobigas, and Irvin Paulo Tapales. 

Acop, 78, passed away on December 20, 2025 after succumbing to a heart attack. His political party, the National Unity Party previously said the Comelec is mandated by law to hold a special election to fill his House seat.

Under Republic Act 6645, the Comelec is mandated to conduct a special election if a vacancy occurs in the Senate at least 18 months; or in the House of Representatives, at least one year before the next regular election for members of Congress.

Republic Act 7166, meanwhile, provides that the poll body shall call and hold a special election to fill the vacancy not earlier than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy. — VDV, GMA Integrated News