DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – The Comelec-Negros Oriental provincial office is gearing up for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs), slated from October 1 to 5, by those seeking elective posts in the 2013 elections.
Provincial election supervisor Eddie Aba said Comelec officers in the five cities and 25 towns in the province are all set now for the COC filing period, with instructions already disseminated and forms and other documentation already prepared.
Aba said he is anticipating for a festive mood during the filing of COCs at the provincial, city and municipal Comelec offices.
This period becomes “festive” with some candidates trooping to the Comelec offices accompanied by their supporters, he said but added that he is not worried at all with the belief that it will be orderly and peaceful.
Aba said the five days will be allocated solely for COC filing, such that the ongoing registration of voters on these days shall be suspended as per a resolution issued by the poll body.
He, however, admitted that based on previous experience, candidates wait until the last hour before they file their COCs, thus Comelec personnel will be on duty until the last official hour on October 5th.
Meanwhile, Comelec officials and members of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center in Negros Oriental, to include the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army, have started meeting to discuss plans of action for the 2013 elections.
Aba reiterated that the JPSCC was instrumental in the conduct of peaceful, honest and orderly elections last May 2010 in the province of Negros Oriental.
(FREEMAN)