BY IME SORNITO AND RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2022 elections is expected to be smooth beginning tomorrow, Oct. 1, until Oct. 8.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) are ready to cater to aspiring candidates and secure elections offices, respectively.
The poll body also announced that aspiring candidates are not required to present negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results.
They must only follow the health protocols to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, director of Comelec-6.
The police will be watchful, said Police Brigadier General Rolando Miranda, regional police director.
The health protocols include the proper wearing of facemasks and shields, and social distancing.
“Bring your own ballpen na rin,” said Balisado.
Balisado reminded aspiring candidates to make sure that the prescribed COC form is completely filled out.
If nominated by a political party, the candidate must have a certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA).
“Kung wala ka no’n, tatangapin naman ng Comelec pero you will be considered an independent candidate,” Balisado said.
The filing of COCs will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Balisado said only two to three persons at a time will be allowed in each election office: the candidate, his lawyer, and a supporter or family member.
But if an election office has a limited space, Balisado said it is possible that only candidates will be allowed to enter.
As for the media, the provincial or city election offices will provide seats, as well as a backdrop for the candidates’ photo op.
Balisado also urged aspiring candidates not to wait for the deadline of COC filing.
Here are the requirements in COC filing:
1. Accomplish five copies of the COC using the form prescribed by Comelec for the position aspired for:
a. Get the COC forms from any Comelec Office or from https://comelec.gov.ph.
b. Fill out the form completely, both the front and back pages, according to instructions.
c. Have your COC sworn to or notarized before a notary public or any officials authorized to administer oath.
d. Affix a passport-size photograph taken within the last six months.
e. Attach your certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA), if applicable.
f. Attach a P30 documentary stamp to one of the original copies of the COC. Write the documentary stamp tax number on the remaining four copies of the COC.
g. Attach a bio-data and program, of government, if desired.
2. File the five copies of your COC, together with the CONA, if applicable, with the correct Comelec office:
a. personally; or
b. through an authorized representative, with a sworn and signed authority to file COC.
The positions city election offices would cater to are mayor, vice mayor, city councilors, and representative while provincial poll officers cater to candidates for governor, vice governor, board members and congressman.
Aspiring candidates for municipal mayor, vice mayor and Sangguniang Bayan members can file their COCs in their respective municipal or city election offices.
On the other hand, Police Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, commander of the Iloilo City Police Station 1 (ICPO), said city cops will secure the Iloilo City Comelec office at the Iloilo Terminal Market.
Meanwhile, both the Iloilo Police Provincial Office and the La Paz police station will oversee the Comelec provincial office in La Paz district./PN
