DAVAO CITY (October 11) –— Aspirants for the 2019 mid-term elections are expected to flock the offices of the Commission on Elections today, the first day for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the May 13, 2019 mid-term elections.
The first day of COC filing is usually highlighted with gimmicks like street dancing, parade and other activities to highlight the candidates’ entry to the Comelec office.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez appealed to aspirants, to help attain an orderly process.
In a report published by the Philippine News Agency, Jimenez was quoted saying, “We would like to emphasize that our goal in the preparation for the filing is dignified. We don’t want to turn it into a circus of supporters. We don’t want it to be rowdy.”
Supporters, according to Jimenez should not flock inside the Comelec office and instead wait for their candidates to come out so that it won’t disrupt the process.
In Manila, a candidate will be allowed four companions when s/he files the COC at the third floor of the Comelec building.
For Partylist groups, the Comelec said, only 10 persons, including the five nominees of the organization, are allowed to file the COC of their partylist at the session hall of the Comelec located at the 8th floor of the building.
He said they expect more individuals to file COCs for senator this year, compared to the 54 senatorial candidates in the 2016 polls.
For those running for Senator, they are required to file their COCs at the Comelec Law Department in its main office in Manila.
Also, the Certificate of Nomination and Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination of party-list groups shall be filed before the Comelec Law Department.
Those running for congressmen in Metro Manila must file their COCs at the Office of the Regional Election Director (RED) – National Capital Region; and for congressmen in the provinces, COCs will be filed at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor (PES).
COCs must be filed at the PES office for those running for provincial posts; and at the Office of the Election Officers (OEO) for city/municipal posts.
Those running for ARMM Governor and Vice Governor must file their COCs at the Office of the RED – ARMM; while those running for ARMM Legislative Assembly Members must file their intent at the concerned PES.
“The COC shall be filed by the aspirant or through a duly authorized representative with a sworn and signed Authority to File the COC,” the Resolution added.
The poll body will not accept COCs filed by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile.
Comelec added that an incomplete COC shall not be accepted and shall not be stamped received on time even when the aspirant is present and is waiting for his/her name to be called.
Examples of an incomplete COC include having no documentary stamp, no signature of the aspirant, not notarized, no signature of the notary public, incomplete address, no signature on the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA), no photograph, and no thumbprint.
“The Receiving Officer shall have the ministerial duty to receive and acknowledge the receipt of the COC and CONA provided that, they are filed in conformity with the rules and regulations,” it said.
The Comelec said the person holding a public appointive office or position, including active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other officers and employees in government-owned or -controlled corporations, shall be considered resigned from office upon the filing of COC.
On the other hand, anyone holding an elective office or position shall not be considered resigned upon the filing of a COC whether for the same or any other elective office or position.
Under the law, no person can run for the position of Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, Provincial, City, Municipal, or ARMM Regional official unless the aspirant accomplishes and files a sworn COC in the form prescribed by the Commission.
As for party-list organizations, the Comelec said the Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination must be filed simultaneously with the Certificate of Nomination.
The filing of COCs will end on October 17.-Newsline with PNA report
