Vacancy in elective provincial or municipal office.
Section 16
SEC. 16. Vacancy in elective provincial or municipal office. — (a) Whenever a temporary vacancy in any elective local office occurs, the same shall be filled by appointment by the President if it is a provincial office, and by the provincial governor, with the consent of the provincial board, if it is a municipal office. (b) Whenever in any elective local office a vacancy occurs as a result of the death, resignation, removal or cessation of the incumbent, the President shall appoint thereto a suitable person belonging to the political party of the officer whom he is to replace, save in the case of a mayor, which shall be filled by the vice-mayor. (c) Whenever the election for a local office fails to take place on the date fixed by law, or such election results in a failure to elect, the President shall issue as soon as practicable, a proclamation calling a special election to fill said office. (d) When a local officer-elect dies before assumption of office, or, having been elected provincial or municipal officer, his election is not confirmed by the President for disloyalty; or such officer-elect fails to qualify, for any reason, the President may in his discretion either call a special election or fill the office by appointment. (e) In case a special election has been called and held and shall have resulted in a failure to elect, the President shall fill the office by appointment. (f) The person appointed or elected to fill a vacancy in an elective provincial or municipal office shall hold the same for the unexpired term of the office.