Filing of COCs for barangay, SK polls starts Sept. 23

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls starts on Sept. 23, giving those aiming to run barely two months to decide and prepare.

Under Comelec Resolution 10191 or the revised Calendar of Activities for the Oct. 23 barangay and SK elections, the poll body reminded prospective candidates that the filing of COCs will only be up to Sept. 30.

The resolution was promulgated by the commission last Aug. 11. 

The Comelec also noted that candidates will have nine days to campaign, from Oct. 13 to 21.

According to the poll body, various “prohibited acts” will be in effect when the country is placed under “election period” from Sept. 23 to Oct. 30.

These include the carrying of firearms and other deadly weapons, and the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates.

Also banned are the transfer or detail of government officials and employees, including public school teachers; organizing or maintaining reaction forces, strike forces or similar forces; suspension of any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer; and coercing, threatening, intimidating or terrorizing any election official or employee in the performance of his election functions or duties.

During the campaign period, barangay assemblies and candidates’ fora shall be held.

The resolutions, however, showed that various activities are also considered outlawed during the campaign period.

These are removing, destroying, obliterating, defacing, tampering or preventing distribution of lawful election propaganda; making any donation or gift in cash or in kind; appointing or using special policemen, special/confidential agents or the like; and using armored land, water or air craft.

Others are appointment of policemen and provincial guards acting as bodyguards or security guards of public officials or candidates; construction or maintenance of barangay-funded roads and bridges; and appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of new position, promotion, giving salary increases, remuneration or privileges.

The Comelec had revised the March 28 resolution as it re-scheduled the last day for the Election Registration Board to certify and seal the list of voters on Sept. 11 and the last day to post the computerized voters’ list on Sept. 15.