ILOILO – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has implemented a “first come, first serve” system for accepting and processing certificates of candidacy (COC) from aspirants for the May 12, 2025 elections.
Provincial Election Supervisor Reinier Layson assured that all Offices of Election Officers (OEOs) in the province’s 43 municipalities, including Passi City, are well-organized to manage the COC filing process under this system.
“The processing of COCs will be done on a first come, first serve basis,” Layson stressed.
Layson also urged all OEOs to encourage aspirants within their areas to submit their COC forms for pre-checking.
This would allow Comelec personnel to verify if the forms are filled out correctly, ensuring all items are completed, signed, accompanied by a passport-sized ID, documentary stamp, and notarization, he explained.
Layson emphasized the importance of this pre-checking, especially for those planning to file on the last day of the COC filing period, October 8.
He warned that filing on the final day without prior checking could jeopardize their candidacy, as Comelec will stop accepting COCs at 5 p.m.
“Even if they file on the last day, those who had their forms pre-checked shouldn’t face problems. The concern lies with those who fail to follow the encouragement to submit their COC ahead for pre-checking,” Layson said.
He acknowledged the traditional beliefs of some candidates, including those who follow feng shui, which is why many prefer to file on October 8, considered an auspicious day.
Layson cited several candidates in Iloilo City who have expressed their intention to file on that date. While respecting these beliefs, Layson encouraged candidates to have their forms checked beforehand.
Although Comelec only administers the acceptance of COC forms and does not scrutinize qualifications or the content, personnel can still ensure that forms are filled out correctly and all necessary documents are attached.
This year, to better accommodate candidates, Comelec-Iloilo Province has moved its filing venue to the VIP Lounge on the ground floor of Festive Walk Mall, Iloilo Business Park, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Previously, the COC filing for provincial positions such as governor, vice governor, Provincial Board member, and congressman was held at the Comelec office in La Paz district.
Given the new venue, Layson encouraged candidates to coordinate with their office to receive accurate directions to the COC filing area.
He clarified that while the Festive Walk Mall opens at 10 a.m., Comelec-Iloilo Province will begin accepting COCs at 8 a.m.
As of Tuesday morning, October 1, Comelec-Iloilo Province had not yet received any information on who would be the first to file their COC.
“As of today, we have not received any feelers from the aspirants within the province, but we expect to learn of schedules soon, particularly from VIPs, incumbents, and political aspirants,” Layson said yesterday.
Finally, Layson reminded candidates that only three companions would be allowed inside the COC filing venue, while supporters must stay in the designated area outside./PN
