MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is waiting for the House of Representatives (HOR) to declare a vacancy following the resignation of Ako Bicol (AKB) party-list Rep. Zaldy Co before it can proclaim his replacement.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia explained that the poll body cannot act without a formal communication from the Lower House.

“The HOR needs to write to us, for us to be able to issue a new proclamation. We are waiting for the HOR’s letter,” Garcia said in a telephone interview.

If the House confirms the vacancy, Garcia said the Comelec would follow the official list of nominees submitted by AKB. The group’s third nominee, Jan Franz Almario Chan, is next in line to take Co’s seat.

“The third nominee on the list submitted to us will be replacing him (Co) and become the new congressman,” Garcia said.

Ako Bicol secured two seats in the May 2025 elections after garnering 1,073,119 votes. Co and Alfredo Garbin were proclaimed as its representatives.

Co resigned on Monday amid allegations linking him to anomalous flood control projects. He said his group would notify the House of Representatives about his replacement.

Meanwhile, Garcia said Comelec did not find any contractors listed as donors in Co’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for the 2022 polls.

“In 2022, (polls), we didn’t see any companies that contributed… We just don’t (know) if we’ll see any in the 2025 (polls),” Garcia said in a virtual interview.

He added that the commission has yet to receive a reply from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding its request to identify contractors that contributed to campaign funds in 2022 and whether they currently have government projects.

“Of the 55 possible government contractors, we still have no answer from the DPWH. With all due respect, the claim that we singled out is not true. Sen. Chiz (Escudero) was the first, as there was an admission from the contractor, and he also said that he received it,” Garcia said.

“But again, if there is confirmation from the DPWH for the other candidates and contractors, Comelec will not hesitate to continue the process. If there is a confirmed government contractor, they will also receive a notice from Comelec,” he added. (PNA)