BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in this city has received complaints from candidates for the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on mistakenly filed certificates of candidacy (COCs).
Election Assistant II Jonathan Sayno dismissed the idea that these mistakes were due to Comelec oversight.
“Our role in the COC filing process is purely ministerial,” explained Sayno during an interview with DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo.
For instance, in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo district, an individual aiming to run for the SK kagawad position was erroneously listed for the position of SK chair.
Similarly, in Barangay San Nicolas, La Paz district, a COC was mistakenly filed for barangay kagawad instead of punong barangay.
Sayno emphasized that such discrepancies, which should have been identified during the filing period from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2, are now irreversible.
“The responsibility clearly lies with the candidate. They should have ensured their COC matches the position they wish to run for. We simply accept them,” stated the Comelec officer.
Sayno added that candidates must adhere to the positions stated in their COCs, or they should opt for withdrawal./PN
