DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite, Philippines — Despite heavy rain, voters in Dasmariñas City began casting their ballots Saturday, August 29, in a closely watched special election to fill the congressional seat left vacant following the expulsion of former Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga.
The special election puts the political future of one of Cavite’s most prominent congressional districts in the hands of hundreds of thousands of registered voters—and adds another chapter to the dramatic developments that led to Barzaga’s removal from the House of Representatives.
The House expelled Barzaga on June 2 over what was described as “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior, prompting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to organize a special poll for Dasmariñas City, which comprises the entire 4th Legislative District of Cavite.
Five Candidates Vie for Vacant House Seat
Voters are choosing among five candidates seeking to represent Dasmariñas in the House of Representatives:
- Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga
- Former vice mayor Raul Rex Del Rosario
- Former councilor Jacinto Bautista Frani Jr.
- Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag
- Leysander Aguilar
Jennifer Barzaga’s candidacy has drawn particular attention because she is the mother of the expelled former congressman whose seat is now being contested. Five aspirants officially filed certificates of candidacy for the August 29 special election.
Early Voting, Heavy Rain and a Massive Electorate
Regular voting began at 7 a.m. and is scheduled to end at 3 p.m., while early voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and persons deprived of liberty started as early as 5 a.m., according to reports from the polling day.
Even as rains associated with the southwest monsoon affected the area, voters were seen heading to polling centers, including Dasmariñas Elementary School, to exercise their right to vote. Dasmariñas has 447,387 registered voters across 75 barangays, making turnout a major factor in determining who will win the congressional seat.
Comelec had earlier said it was targeting a 60% to 65% voter turnout for the special election and assured the public that election materials had been deployed and preparations completed ahead of polling day.
Tight Security and Election-Day Restrictions
Authorities also stepped up security for the special election, with hundreds of police personnel deployed to help secure polling centers and maintain peace and order.
Comelec also enforced election-related restrictions, including a liquor ban and prohibitions on activities such as campaigning and the giving or accepting of certain items of value during the period covered by election rules.
August 29 was declared a special non-working day in Dasmariñas City, allowing residents a greater opportunity to participate in the vote.
More Than a Replacement Race
Saturday’s vote is more than a routine special election. It will determine who takes over representation of Dasmariñas in Congress following one of the most unusual vacancies in the district’s recent political history.
The Comelec had previously clarified that Barzaga was not permanently barred from seeking elective office because his House expulsion did not carry a perpetual disqualification. However, the former lawmaker did not end up among the five candidates on Saturday’s ballot.
With rain falling and thousands expected to make their way to polling centers, Dasmariñas voters now face a decision that could reshape the city’s representation in Congress.
The ballots are being cast. The question now is: Who will emerge with the mandate to take one of Cavite’s most closely watched congressional seats?
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