MANILA – Aspiring candidates in the 2019 midterm elections were urged not to turn the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) into a “circus.”
The Commission on Elections prepared for orderly proceedings in its building Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, spokesman James Jimenez told a news conference Wednesday.
“Gusto lang namin i-emphasize na ang goal ng ating paghahanda ngayon is to ensure that the filing is dignified,” he said. “We don’t want to turn it into a circus of supporters. Ayaw natin na maging magulo.”
Aspiring candidates may file their COCs on Oct. 11, 12, 15, 16, and 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.
“The Comelec is ready for the filing period and already conducting a dry run of the proceedings,” Jimenez added. “We advise candidates to urge their supporters not to hold gatherings outside the (Comelec building).”
For national positions, only four people will be allowed to accompany the aspiring candidate in filing their COC – 10 people per group for party-list groups.
The substitution of candidates after a voluntary withdrawal will be allowed until Nov. 29./PN
