Comelec names common poster areas for Batanes special polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released the list of designated common poster areas for campaign materials for the special election in the lone congressional district of Batanes.

The Comelec said campaign materials may be posted only during the campaign period, which runs from October 28 to November 26, 2026. The election will be held on November 28, 2026, following the death of former lawmaker Ciriaco Gato Jr. on September 21.

READ: Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. dies at 66

“Ang mga itinakdang common poster areas para sa Batanes special election ay mga pampublikong lugar, ang mga aspirante/kandidato ay kinakailangang magtayo ng istraktura sa common poster areas na ito, sa sarili nilang gastos, para paglagyan ng kanilang campaign material,” the Comelec said.

(The designated common poster areas for the Batanes special election are public places, and the aspirants/candidates need to establish their own spaces in these common poster areas using their own money.)

The poll body also advised the aspirants or candidates to use biodegradable and environmental-friendly materials in their campaign paraphernalias.

Here is the list of the common poster areas in the following municipalities:

Basco

• Brgy. Chanarian (in front of basketball court)
• Brgy. Kaychanarianan (in front of barangay center and basketball court; around Rizal Park and old tennis court)
• Brgy. Kayhuvokan (in front of barangay center along Contra Costa Road)
• Brgy. Kayvaluganan (in front of barangay center and basketball court)
• San Antonio (in front of barangay center)
• San Joaquin (in front of barangay center)

Itbayat

• Brgys. Sta. Rosa, Raele, San Rafael, Sta. Lucia, Sta. Maria (all barangay centers, waiting sheds, and municipal plazas)

Ivana

• Brgy. Radiwan (in front of barangay hall and plaza along Diversion Road)
• Brgy. Salagao (in front of barangay hall, park, and waiting shed)
• Brgy. San Vicente (beside barangay hall)
• Brgy. Tuhel (beside barangay hall and waiting shed along National Road)

Mahatao

• Brgys. Hanib, Kaumbakan, Panatayan, Uvoy (all barangay halls, centers, waiting sheds, and Barangay Uvoy Park)

• Sabtang
• Brgys. Sinakan, Chavayan, Malakdang, Nakanmuan, Savidug, Sumnanga (in front of all barangay halls, health centers, waiting sheds, and Barangay Malakdang Park)

Uyugan

• Brgy. Itbud (in front of barangay hall along National Road)
• Brgy. Imnajbu (barangay plaza along National Road)
• Brgys. Kayvaluganan and Kayugunan (Uyugan Municipal Plaza)

The Comelec has also scheduled the filing of certificates of candidacy for the congressional race on October 14, 2026 to October 16, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

READ: Comelec flags fake post claiming BSKE set for Dec. 14

The Comelec has so far conducted two special elections this year for district representative posts.

The first one was held for the second legislative district of Antipolo City last March 14 after the passing of former lawmaker Romeo Acop. His son, Philip Conrad, won the race.

The latest special elections were held last August 29 for the lone district of Dasmariñas City, Cavite where former Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Austria-Barzaga filled the seat vacated by his son Kiko. Kiko was expelled by the House of Representatives last June 2 over his “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior. /jpv