The House of the Representative will have the final say on deciding on who will replace Cavite 7th District Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, according to the Commission on Election (Comelec).
The poll body issued the statement amid reports that Remulla will be serving as secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under administration of presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
In a press conference last Monday, Comelec Commissioner George M. Garcia said lawmakers will decide if there will be a special election to replace Remulla.
“If Congress says we will fill up the position to conduct a special election, we will conduct the special election,” Garcia said.
The poll official said another likely option is for Congress to assign another lawmaker to serve as caretaker in the district of Remulla.
Remulla was reelected as a representative in Cavite after running unopposed in the 2022 polls.
Garcia said the one-year ban for candidates in the polls earlier this month will not cover Remulla since he won.
But, he said Remulla would have to give up his position in Congress to assume a Cabinet position.
“We call those incompatible offices. You cannot accept one and at the same time accept the other,” Garcia explained.