President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared March 14 a special non-working day in areas comprising the Second Legislative District of Antipolo City to facilitate the conduct of a special election.

Marcos on Feb. 20 signed Proclamation 1173, announcing the declaration to pave the way for the holding of a special election, following the death of Rep. Romeo Acop on Dec. 20.

“A local election for the position of Member of House of Representatives, Second Legislative District of the City of Antipolo shall be held on 14 March 2026,” the proclamation read.

“There is a need to declare Saturday, 14 March 2026, as a special (non-working) holiday to enable the people of the areas comprising the Second Legislative District of the City of Antipolo to properly exercise their right to vote,” it added.

Under Republic Act 6645, as amended by RA 7166, the Commission on Elections is mandated to call and conduct a special election in the event that a permanent vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives at least one year before the expiration of the term.

The election must be held not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days following the vacancy.

Local holidays

Meanwhile, Marcos also signed several proclamations declaring special non-working days in several provinces and cities across the country to allow residents to commemorate important local events, anniversaries and festivals.

Proclamations 1170 and 1171 declare March 6 a special non-working day in Gutalac, Zamboanga del Norte and Tadian, Mountain Province to celebrate the 47th Araw ng Gutalac and the Ayyoweng Di Lambak Ed Tadian Festival, respectively.

Under Proclamation 1172, March 14 is a holiday in the City of Passi, Iloilo to celebrate its founding anniversary as a component city.

Marcos also issued Proclamations 1174 and 1175, declaring March 16 a special non-working day in Davao City to mark the Araw ng Pasasalamat in relation to the 89th Araw ng Davao, and in Lugait, Misamis Oriental, for its foundation anniversary, respectively.

Proclamations 1176 and 1177 declare March 17 a special non-working day in Tayug, Pangasinan to celebrate its founding anniversary, as well as March 19 in Kawayan, Biliran in observance of its charter anniversary.

Marcos also issued Proclamations 1178 and 1179, declaring a special non-working day in Canlaon, Negros Oriental on March 19 and Tabaco, Albay on March 24 to celebrate the Pasayaw Festival 2026 and Charter Day and 25th cityhood founding anniversary, respectively. (PNA)