MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the special elections for Cavite’s 4th District congressional seat on July 15 to 17, 2026.

In a report, it said that Comelec Chairperson George Garcia made the announcement on Thursday during a coordination meeting with stakeholders in Dasmariñas City, according to a media report.

Garcia also said the election period will begin on July 30, while the special polls are scheduled for August 29.

The poll body earlier announced that it is targeting August 29 for the conduct of the special election for the district’s vacant seat, with proclamation of the winning candidate expected on August 30.

Comelec said it is currently working on budget realignment to finance the special elections, which will be conducted manually.

“Siguro pwedeng malapit na aming gawin, base sa aming pagpupulong, ay mag re-realign kami ng budget mula sa existing budget,” Garcia said.

“Magtitipid kami. Kasama yan sa contingency (we will save money as part of our contingency),” he added.

The poll body said it needs around ₱191 million to hold the special elections.

In an earlier Palace briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Budget and Management had indicated that Comelec still has remaining funds for the year.

On Wednesday, Garcia said the Comelec finance department is still reviewing available funds to support the special polls, noting that it is too early to declare savings as procurement activities are still ongoing.

“Walang pang halos savings. Magkaka-savings ka lamang kapag natapos na ang taon, at the same time, pag natapos na ‘yung aktibidad,” Garcia said. “Ngayon, ang ongoing procurement namin, and therefore hindi pa ito yung tamang panahon na mag-deklara ng savings.”

The Comelec is also seeking to declare August 29 a holiday in the district to help maximize voter turnout.

Meanwhile, Dasmariñas City Vice Mayor Elpidio Barzaga III said he has an idea of potential candidates for the vacant seat but declined to name names.

“I think it’s best to hear it not only from my family members but from all the candidates who plan to run. It’s best to hear it from themselves na lang in respect for them, their political strategy,” Barzaga said.

“So, I have a idea po on who will be running but I think it’s best to hear it from the candidates themselves when they wanted to declare it,” he added.

The seat became vacant after the House of Representatives expelled former lawmaker Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga for disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member of Congress.

House Ethics Committee chair and 4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos said the expulsion followed repeated sanctions against Barzaga, including two 60-day suspensions without pay.

According to the House, Barzaga was expelled for acts that included linking his former party mates in the National Unity Party (NUP) and business tycoon Enrique Razon to corruption without evidence, mocking House members in social media posts, making accusations related to the death of a local official due to accidental firing, and disruptive behavior during plenary sessions, including livestreaming alleged slanderous remarks.