KALIBO, Aklan – The Commission on Elections in Aklan has urged aspiring candidates in next year’s midterm elections to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) early.
“Do not wait for the deadline para kung may problema ang COCs, maayos agad ng kandidato,” said Comelec-Aklan spokesman Crispin Raymond Gerardo.
The filing of COCs will be on Oct 11, 12, 15, 16, 17. Comelec offices will accommodate COC filers at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in these days.
Individuals who want to run for mayor, vice mayor and councilors can file their COCs at 17 Comelec municipal offices in the province.
Those who want to run for congressman, governor, vice governor, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan member, on the other hand, can file their COCs at the Comelec provincial office.
Gerardo said the Election Registration Board will review on Oct. 25 the applications of new registrants and those who requested for reactivation, correction and transfer of registration in view of the 2019 elections.
There will be two available congressional seats for Aklan this year. President Rodrigo Duterte last month signed Republic Act 11077, which divided the province into two legislative districts.
Under the 1st District are the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Banga, Kalibo, Balete, Altavas, Batan, and New Washington.
Buruanga, Malay, Nabas, Ibajay, Tangalan, Makato, Numancia, Lezo, and Malinao towns, on the other hand, belong to the 2nd District.
Aklan met the population requirement (574,873 as of the 2010 Census) for the two legislative districts.
Article VI of the 1987 Constitution requires a minimum population of 250,000 for a congressional district. Each district should be composed of a “contiguous, compact and adjacent territory,” the article stated. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
