BY IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – With the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2025 midterm national and local elections fast approaching, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has advised aspiring candidates in Western Visayas to secure their COC forms early either by visiting local Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) or downloading them from the official Comelec website at https://comelec.gov.ph.
This initiative aims to streamline the process and ensure that candidates can efficiently submit their COCs from October 1 to October 8.
The Comelec hopes to avoid the need for aspiring candidates to make multiple office visits caused by improperly filled-out forms.
According to Comelec Region 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan, it is highly recommended for candidates to visit their local election offices in advance to receive a briefing on how to properly fill out the COC forms.
“How I wish our aspirants would come to our office beforehand, inquire about the latest instructions on completing their COC forms so that when they arrive for submission, we can avoid any issues. Even better if they fill out the forms before October 1 and have us check them for completeness,” Ausan told Panay News.
Ausan shared that in previous elections, many candidates encountered problems during the filing process, such as incomplete information, incorrect forms, missing documentary stamps, lack of notarization, or missing signatures.
To ensure a smooth process, aspirants are required to produce five copies of the COC, all duly filled out with complete personal information.
Any item that does not apply should be marked as “Not Applicable”.
The forms must be notarized by a lawyer, affixed with a documentary stamp, and include a passport-sized photo.
Candidates affiliated with political parties or coalitions must attach a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) from their party, which should be duly registered with the Comelec.
There is no fee required to file the COC.
Ausan further explained that the Comelec offices will be open daily from October 1 to October 8, including weekends, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are fully prepared to accommodate the candidates. In some cases, where offices are too small to handle the expected volume of candidates, we have already approved the transfer of filing venues to larger spaces,” he added.
Comelec expects a surge in the number of candidates filing on the first and last days of the COC filing period.
Ausan also emphasized the importance of ensuring that candidates meet the basic qualifications, such as being a Filipino citizen, a registered voter, and a resident of the barangay or municipality they are seeking to represent.
The candidate must also meet the age requirements for the position and be able to read and write.
To avoid overcrowding, the number of companions each candidate may bring to the filing venue will be limited.
In compliance with Resolution No. 11045, candidates running for national and local positions will be allowed a maximum of three companions.
“Aspirants for any elective office or their authorized representatives shall be allowed to be accompanied by a maximum of three persons during the filing of COC, while an aspirant for the position of senator may be accompanied by a maximum of four persons,” the resolution stated.
Senatorial candidates and party-list groups must file their COCs at the Comelec Law Department in Intramuros, Manila, or another designated venue.
Candidates for provincial governor, vice governor, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan must file their COCs at their provincial election office.
Meanwhile, candidates for city and municipal mayor, vice mayor and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan must file their COCs at their respective city or municipal election offices.
Candidates for member of the House of Representatives should file their COCs at their ressspective provincial election offices.
Comelec also reminded political parties that party-list nominations must include a list of 10 individuals, from which representatives will be selected if they secure the necessary votes.
“Nomination of less than 10 nominees shall not be accepted and shall not be given due course by the Commission,” Ausan said./PN
