Manila: Former Dasmari±as City, Cavite Vice Mayor Rex Mangubat on Wednesday became the first aspirant to file his certificate of candidacy (COC) for the August 29 special elections to elect the new representative of the province's fourth district.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that Mangubat will be among several aspirants vying for the position, which became vacant following the expulsion of Rep. Francisco 'Kiko' Barzaga by the House of Representatives in June. The filing period for candidacies began on Wednesday and will close on Friday.

Interested candidates have been instructed to submit their COC at the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) of Dasmari±as City, Cavite, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mangubat, who has also held roles as a city councilor and a Cavite provincial board member, is well-acquainted with public service in the region.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia noted that at least three individuals are anticipated to participate in the special elections, including Barzaga himself. Despite his expulsion for disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violations of the House Code of Conduct, Barzaga is legally permitted to run again for the post.