ILOILO – The first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the May 12, 2025 elections saw no aspirants for provincial-level positions here submit their COCs at the VIP Lounge, ground floor of Festive Walk Mall, Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
According to Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson, it is possible that candidates are waiting for a “lucky” day or date to file their COCs.
Layson expects around 40 to 50 aspirants to file their COCs for positions at the provincial level, including governor, vice governor, congressman, and Provincial Board members.
Information received by Layson indicates that 5th District’s Cong. Raul Tupas is expected to file his COC for vice governor on October 3, while siblings Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and 3rd District’s Cong. Lorenz Defensor are set to file on October 7.
As for other political families such as the Garins, Birons, and Gorricetas, Layson has not yet received information regarding when they plan to file their COCs.
Despite the absence of filings on the first day, Layson considers the opening of the filing period a success, noting that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Iloilo Province was fully prepared for the process.
In the case of the 43 municipalities, including Passi City, Layson reported that the situation remained calm, with some incumbent officials, such as those from Passi City and Maasin, submitting their COCs.
Layson encouraged aspirants at both the provincial and municipal levels to coordinate with their respective Offices of the Election Officer (OEO) to ensure that Comelec personnel are informed about their filing schedules.
He also advised candidates to have their COC forms checked by Comelec before submitting them to ensure that all information is correctly filled out.
Regarding nuisance candidates, Layson explained that Comelec would accept all COC submissions, as their role during this stage is purely ministerial. Their task is to verify whether the forms are correctly filled out and supported by necessary documents, such as identification, documentary stamps, notarization, and signatures.
For aspirants affiliated with political parties, Layson reminded them that their COC forms must include a notarized Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA).
The COC filing period will continue until October 8./PN
