ILOILO City – Unlike previous elections when the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for both Iloilo city and provincial government aspiring candidates was held at their respective election offices, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has decided to move the filing venue for the upcoming May 9, 2025 national and local elections to a more spacious and comfortable location.
Jonathan Sayno, Election Assistant II of Comelec in Iloilo City, confirmed that the COC filing will be conducted at Festive Walk in Mandurriao district. However, the specific area within the complex has yet to be finalized as discussions are still ongoing.
Sayno clarified that there will be separate venues within Festive Walk for the filing of COCs — one for provincial government candidates and another for city government candidates — though all activities will take place in the same general area.
In previous elections, COC filing for city candidates was held on the second floor of the Iloilo Terminal Market, while provincial candidates submitted their forms at the Provincial Election Office in La Paz district.
The filing period for COCs will be from October 1 to October 8, including weekends, with submission hours running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sayno issued several reminders to candidates to ensure a smooth filing process.
Candidates must secure eight copies of the COC form, either by downloading it from the official Comelec website (https://comelec.gov.ph) or by visiting the nearest Comelec office.
Candidates are required to fill in all necessary information on the form, marking “N/A” (Not Applicable) where applicable.
Each form must be signed, affixed with a recent passport-sized photo (taken within the last six months), notarized, and stamped with a documentary stamp.
The first copy must bear the actual documentary stamp, while subsequent copies only need to list the stamp number.
“Candidates should submit a recent photo, not one from years ago, to reflect their current appearance,” Sayno emphasized.
For candidates affiliated with a political party, a notarized Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) must also be submitted along with the COC.
Independent candidates, however, are not required to submit a CONA.
Both securing and submitting the COC form are free of charge.
Candidates may designate an authorized representative to submit their COC, but Sayno warned that this comes with a risk.
Sayno explained, “A representative can file the COC as long as they are authorized, but they cannot correct any errors. This could be problematic if the candidate is abroad and unable to make the necessary changes.”
When selecting the name to appear on the official ballot, Sayno said candidates must adhere to the 30-character limit. They can choose to display either their first name or nickname, but the total character count must not exceed 30.
If the candidate’s chosen name exceeds 30 characters, Comelec will decide which name will appear on the ballot, typically the one the candidate is most recognized by.
Double names or nicknames are not allowed.
Additionally, to ensure an orderly filing process, only a maximum of three supporters will be allowed to accompany each candidate. Any additional supporters must remain outside the designated area to avoid crowding and disruptions.
Sayno stressed that the Comelec will strictly enforce this rule to maintain smooth operations during the filing period./PN
