Philippines: Voters brave rain for special congressional election in Dasmariñas City

Voters in Dasmariñas City, Philippines, braved heavy rain on Saturday to participate in a special election for the 4th District congressional seat. The election was called after former lawmaker Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga was expelled from the House of Representatives in June due to "disruptive" and "disorderly" behavior.

Despite the inclement weather, residents headed to their precincts, including Dasmariñas Elementary School, to exercise their right to suffrage. Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and will continue until 3 p.m., with provisions for early voting for seniors, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and persons deprived of liberty starting at 5 a.m.

Five candidates are vying for the congressional seat: incumbent Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga, former vice mayor Raul Rex Del Rosario, former councilor Jacinto Bautista Frani Jr., Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag, and Leysander Aguilar. The special non-working day declared in Dasmariñas City aimed to facilitate voter participation.

Dasmariñas City comprises the entire 4th District of Cavite and has a total of 447,387 registered voters across 75 barangays. The election is a crucial event for the district, determining its representation in the national legislature following the expulsion of its previous congressman.