MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared November 28 a special non-working holiday in Batanes to allow residents to vote in the special election for the province’s vacant seat in the House of Representatives.
Under Proclamation No. 1522, the President said the declaration would give registered voters sufficient time to exercise their right to vote.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) scheduled the special election following the death of Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. on September 21.
The proclamation cited Republic Act No. 6645, as amended by Republic Act No. 7166, which mandates a special election when a permanent vacancy in the House occurs at least one year before the end of the term.
Under the law, the election must be conducted within 60 to 90 days after the vacancy occurs.
Special holidays declared in other localities
Malacañang also declared special non-working holidays in several areas to mark local anniversaries and celebrations.
Under Proclamation No. 1518, November 11 was declared a special non-working day in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, in observance of Puerto Princesa Underground River Day.
The occasion commemorates the underground river’s selection as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature on November 11, 2011.
In Benguet, Proclamation No. 1520 declared November 20 a special non-working day in Kibungan for its 126th founding anniversary, instead of November 22.
Proclamation No. 1519 also designated November 20 as a special non-working day in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, for its annual Festival of Thanksgiving celebrating a bountiful harvest.
Palayan City will observe another special non-working holiday on December 5 for its 61st founding anniversary under Proclamation No. 1523.
Meanwhile, Proclamation No. 1521 declared November 27 a special non-working day in Baggao, Cagayan, to commemorate its founding anniversary.
All six proclamations were signed on November 9 by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on behalf of President Marcos.
