MANILA – A total of 42 additional seats for provincial board members will be up for grabs in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections (NLE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
Based on Comelec Resolution 11085 issued on December 6, the poll body increased the number of seats in 21 provinces.
The adjustment was made after the Department of Finance (DOF) updated its income classification of the provinces, effective January 1, 2025.
“After due deliberation, the Commission En Banc hereby resolves to accordingly adjust the number of seats previously allotted to the concerned provinces for the purpose of the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections,” it said.
Under the Local Government Code, first and second-class provinces shall have 10 provincial board members; third and fourth-class provinces will have eight provincial board members; and fifth and sixth-class provinces will have six provincial board members.
“The number of seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial council) depends upon the classification of the provinces,” the poll body said.
The following areas are getting two additional seats each after having their classifications upgraded: Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Batanes, Quirino, Aurora, Marinduque, Romblon, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Siquijor, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Camiguin, Davao Occidental, Agusan del Norte, Dinagat Islands, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.
On the other hand, the Comelec noted that Biliran has more allocated seats than the number of candidates running.
As provided by the Local Government Code of 1991, such vacancies in the Provincial Boards shall be filled up by the appointment of the President.
Meanwhile, Maguindanao del Norte will have two less provincial board member seats next year as its classification was brought down to fourth class.
The province, which was created in 2022, was initially allocated 10 provincial board members seats. (PNA)