The Puerto Princesa City Council convened a “Special Session” on October 4 to discuss four resolutions and an ordinance related to the passing of former mayor and Palawan 3rd District Congressman Edward Solon Hagedorn.
The council unanimously approved the four resolutions. First, the resolution aims to express heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family of Cong. Hagedorn.
The second resolution recognizes and honors Hagedorn for his excellent leadership as a congressman for the third district of Palawan and his unparalleled contributions as the mayor of Puerto Princesa.
The third resolution requests the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through Chairperson George Erwin Garcia, to conduct a ‘Special Election’ to fill the vacant congressional seat in accordance with Republic Act 7166 or “An Act Providing for Synchronized National and Local Elections and For Electoral Reforms.”
Lastly, the resolution requests the House of Representatives, through House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, to serve as the “temporary caretaker” of the third district of Palawan.
With Hagedorn’s passing, residents of Palawan are also questioning who will succeed him as congressman. Based on the law governing the House of Representatives’ 19th Congress, a ‘special election’ may be called when a member of the House of Representatives passes away. Congress would declare the position vacant and allocate funds for the special election.
There are specific processes to follow, especially since there will be a regular election to choose a district representative in May 2025.
“In case of vacancy in the Senate or in the House of Representatives, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law, but the Senator or Member of the House of Representatives thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term,” as stated in Section 9 of Article VI of the Constitution.
If Congress does not opt for a ‘special election,’ another possible course of action is the appointment of a ‘congressional caretaker.’ This has been implemented in other districts in the country.
As a tribute, an ordinance is also being proposed to change the name of the New Green City Hall Building, which was constructed under his leadership.
This act of recognition is in addition to significant projects like the City Coliseum, the global acknowledgment of the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and the city’s well-earned title as “The Cleanest and Greenest City.”
Today, the public is welcome to view the remains of Cong. Hagedorn at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. A Mass will also be held at 7:00 PM.
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