DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended voting hours for the special election in Cavite’s 4th Legislative District until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, as heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, threatened to keep voters away from polling centers.
The extension was approved through a unanimous decision of the Comelec en banc, according to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia. Regular voting had originally been scheduled to end at 3 p.m.
The move gives Dasmariñas voters two additional hours to cast their ballots after persistent bad weather affected conditions throughout the day.
🌧️ From Possible Extension to Official Decision
Earlier in the day, Garcia said Comelec was considering extending voting hours if the weather continued to make it difficult for residents to reach their precincts.
Comelec’s concern was clear: voters should not lose their opportunity to participate simply because severe weather prevented them from safely leaving their homes. The extension was ultimately approved as heavy rainfall continued to affect Dasmariñas.
🗳️ Five Candidates Battle for Cavite’s Vacant Congressional Seat
The special election will determine who will fill the congressional seat for Cavite’s 4th Legislative District, which covers Dasmariñas City.
Five candidates are vying for the position:
- Jennifer Austria Barzaga, incumbent Dasmariñas City mayor
- Raul Rex Del Rosario
- Jacinto Bautista Frani Jr., former city councilor
- Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag
- Leysander Aguilar
The seat became vacant following the expulsion of former representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga from the House of Representatives in June.
📉 Weather Could Affect Voter Turnout
Before the extension was announced, Comelec acknowledged that the heavy rains could affect turnout. Garcia said the commission had hoped for a significantly higher participation rate but was now aiming for at least 50% turnout amid the difficult weather conditions.
There are 447,387 registered voters in Cavite’s 4th Legislative District, according to Comelec. Earlier reports also showed voters continuing to head to polling stations despite the rain, underscoring the determination of some residents to take part in the crucial special election.
⏰ What Happens After Voting Ends?
Comelec had previously targeted an early proclamation of the winning candidate on Sunday, August 30, with Garcia expressing hope that the winner could be proclaimed before 5 a.m. The final timetable, however, will depend on the completion of the election process and canvassing.
The election is being decided through a plurality vote, meaning the candidate who receives the highest number of votes wins, regardless of whether voter turnout reaches a particular percentage.
🇵🇭 Why This Election Matters
August 29 was declared a special non-working day in Dasmariñas to help residents exercise their right to vote. The special election is intended to fill the remaining term of the district’s representative and restore full representation for Dasmariñas in the House of Representatives.
The Bottom Line
For voters in Dasmariñas, the message from Comelec is now clear: the rain has not ended election day. With voting extended until 5 p.m., thousands more residents have been given additional time to make their voices heard.
But as the rain continues and turnout remains a major question, the biggest suspense may only begin after the polls close: Who will emerge with the most votes—and claim one of Cavite’s most closely watched congressional seats?
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