Comelec Confirms Delayed Proclamation for Antipolo Special Congressional Election
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially announced that there will be no same-day proclamation for the winner in the Antipolo City Second District special congressional polls scheduled for March 14, 2026. According to Comelec officials, the proclamation of the winning candidate for the House of Representatives is expected to occur by late March 15, marking a significant departure from automated election timelines.
Manual Election System Extends Canvassing Process
Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that the delayed proclamation is directly attributed to the manual system of elections being implemented for this special poll. "Can the Comelec proclaim on the night of March 14? No. Can we proclaim in the early morning of March 15? Not either," Garcia stated during a recent briefing. "If you ask me when we can proclaim, the proclamation of the winning candidate could come the next day sometime in the afternoon until late evening."
Garcia emphasized that manual elections involve a more time-consuming canvassing process where each Election Return can be questioned and objected to by candidates. "During the canvassing in a manual election, each Election Return can be questioned and objected to by candidates. The process is longer," he noted, contrasting this with the automated election system where counting at the precinct level typically concludes within hours of polls closing.
Contrast with Automated Election Procedures
The Comelec chairman highlighted the stark difference between manual and automated election timelines. "By the time we close at 7 p.m., by 8 p.m. we are finished counting at the precinct level. On the night of Election Day, there are some local officials who have already been proclaimed," Garcia said, referring to automated elections. This comparison underscores why Antipolo voters and candidates should expect a longer wait for official results.
Comelec Publishes Candidate Certificates Online
In a related development, the Comelec has made the certificates of candidacy (COCs) for all seven candidates in the March 14 special polls available online. Garcia encouraged the public to utilize these documents to scrutinize candidate qualifications. "Knowledge is power, as they say. But it is not enough to just know. Knowledge must be used to filter those who are truly qualified," he advised voters.
The publication of COCs represents an effort to enhance transparency in the electoral process, allowing constituents to make informed decisions about the candidates vying to represent Antipolo City's Second District in Congress.
