Taxation without representation is tyranny!This was the battle cry of the colonists in North America as they mustered support to stage a revolution against the British Empire in 1776. The American patriots explained that there is no point in paying taxes when you don’t have any participation in the formulation of government policies that may adversely affect the taxpayer’s life. This is the spirit behind Section 9 Article VI of the Constitution and RA 6645 and RA 7166. Through a resolution of Congress certifying that there is a vacancy that needs to be filled through a special election, the COMELEC must hold an election within 90 days from vacancy in membership either in the House of Representatives (HoR) or the Senate.

In the 19th Congress, approximately five seats were vacated for various reasons in the HoR. As far as we know, only one special election was held to elect a new representative to serve the remainder of the term of the deceased, expelled or otherwise appointed to serve in the executive branch of the government.

In the first year of the Marcos Jr administration, two (2) members of HoR were appointed to serve in the DoJ and the DSWD. A special election has already been completed in the 7th district of Cavite so that the voters of the district will not lose representation and voice in Congress. But until now, no special election has been held in the 1st district of Valenzuela City which continues to be under a caretaker congressman appointed by the Speaker to manage any funds earmarked for residents of the legislative district in northern Metro Manila.

Some people say it is better to wait until 2025 for the first district of Valenzuela City to have a new representative because holding a special election is expensive. Secondly, people’s needs are addressed by the caretaker congressman who happens to be from a district in Quezon Province. Thirdly, nobody might be interested to serve for the remaining unexpired term which will be counted as one full term in applying the three consecutive term rule.

Any election is expensive but it is fundamental in any democracy that believes in the principle no taxation without representation. Although the two districts held by the caretaker congressman have similar interests, there are also differences in priorities and concerns, and it is normal for the caretaker congressman to prioritize the interests of the people of his own legislative district who votes for him before acting on the needs the legislative district under his temporary care. It is pure speculation to think that no one would be interested to serve the unexpired term expiring in June 2025. To serve in the HoR just for one day is an honor in itself.

There are still eighteen (18) months left before the May 2025 election. Mr. Speaker, let’s not allow the voters of the first district of Valenzuela City to be without representation in HoR. Please certify as to the existence of the vacancy and task the COMELEC to hold the special elections.

Photo: House of Representatives FB