The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has said Sen. Sonny Angara’s seat will be vacant if he accepts the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary post and will only be filled in the 2025 national and local elections (NLE) or unless the chamber calls for special polls.
In a viber message, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said unless the Senate calls for a special election, the Senate seat will remain vacant.
He said there is still at least 11 months remaining before the 2025 elections.
“Angara is on his second consecutive and last six-year term as senator. We will still only elect 12 senators in 2025 NLE,” Garcia said.
Angara’s appointment came after Vice President Sara Duterte resigned as Education Secretary on June 19, effective in July.