Philippines election: Voting hours extended due to heavy rain

Heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon prompted election officials in Dasmariñas City, Philippines, to extend voting hours for a special election on Saturday. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the extension until 5 p.m., allowing more residents to cast their ballots.

The special polls are being held to elect a new congressional representative, filling the vacancy left by former lawmaker Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga. Barzaga was expelled by the House of Representatives in June for disruptive behavior.

Regular voting was scheduled to conclude at 3 p.m., but the extended hours aim to accommodate voters facing inclement weather. Five candidates are vying for the congressional seat, including the incumbent Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga, former vice mayor Raul Rex Del Rosario, and former councilor Jacinto Bautista Frani Jr., alongside Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag and Leysander Aguilar.

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Dahil sa matinding buhos ng ulan na nararanasan ngayon sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite pinalawig po ng Comelec ang voting hours para sa Special Congressional Elections hanggang 5 p.m. ng hapon ngayong Sabado.