The Dasmariñas City government in Cavite has donated P50 million to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to support the conduct of the special elections in the city's lone congressional district scheduled on August 29.

The special polls were called after the House of Representatives expelled former congressman Kiko Barzaga on June 2 due to disorderly and disruptive behaviour.Acting Mayor Elpidio Barzaga III formally turned over the financial assistance to Comelec during a ceremony at Dasmariñas City Hall.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said the donation would significantly reduce the commission's election expenses, particularly by helping ensure that teachers serving as electoral board members receive the same honoraria they were paid during the 2025 national and local elections despite budget limitations.Garcia also assured teachers that their honoraria would be released on election day once they return the election paraphernalia.

He explained that Comelec originally estimated it would need around P198 million to conduct the elections for more than 447,000 registered voters in the district.

To stretch its available funds, the commission has directed its operations officials to maximise existing election materials, including indelible ink and other paraphernalia, while maintaining quality standards.

Five candidates are contesting the vacant House seat: incumbent Dasmariñas Mayor Jennifer Austria Barzaga, former Vice Mayor Raul Rex Del Rosario, Marvin Opamin Dupal-ag, Leysander Aguilar, and Jacinto Bautista Frani Jr.

The donation is expected to ease the financial burden of conducting the special polls while helping ensure the smooth administration of the electoral process.