Close to 67,000 voters participated in the special congressional polls for the Second District of Antipolo City, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported on Saturday.

As of 5:05 p.m., a total of 66,994, or 26.50 percent of the 252,793 registered voters, have cast their votes for the replacement of Romeo Acop, who died on Dec. 20, 2025.

Of the total, 39,775 voters were females.

“If you ask me, the earlier projection of 60 to 65 percent turnout will not be achieved. Even the 35 percent estimate may not be reached,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said at a press briefing.

He reported that all 36 voting centers functioned and no untoward incident was reported.

“We did not have a single precinct that did not function during this election day. That is to say, all of our 348 precincts functioned. We did not have a single precinct that failed, therefore all the election paraphernalia, as mentioned, were delivered at 12 o’clock this morning, in fact they were delivered yesterday (Friday)” he said in a statement.

Garcia said they are looking to proclaim the winner of the special poll around 11 a.m. Sunday.

“The board of canvassers will canvas until dawn or until tomorrow (Sunday) morning. Probably just before 11 a.m., we might have a proclamation of the winning congressman of the second district of Antipolo,” he said in a radio interview.

Saturday’s activities started 5 a.m., where the members of the vulnerable sector started to cast their votes until 7 a.m.

Regular voting began afterwards until 3 p m.

Dandin Infante, Reden Llaga, Ma. Trinidad Galang, Philip Conrad Acop, Nathaniel Lobigas and Irvin Paulo Tapales are disputing the congressional seat.

Acop, a pediatrician and a former councilor, is the son of the late congressman.

The second district’s voter populations are San Jose (74,007), San Roque (36,454), Calawis (5,383), Cupang (42,953), Dalig (33,595), Inarawan (18,410), San Juan (7,057) and San Luis (34,934).

Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized Elections law provides that Comelec shall call for and hold a special election to fill the vacancy not earlier than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy. (PNA)