ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 6 is urging aspiring candidates to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the soonest time possible.
Punctual filers have more time to correct or re-fill their forms in case their first attempt is not successful, according to Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado, Comelec-6 director.
“Mag-file tayo on the last day tapos kulang-kulang or mali-mali (sa forms). You have to fill-up again, find your lawyer, punta ka pa sa BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue). Paano kung ang BIR closed na at wala ka pang documentary stamp? These are little things pero they might cause non-acceptance ng COC kasi may kulang,” Balisado said.
The filing of COC will be until 5 p.m. on Oct. 8.
As for the so-called auspicious numbers that some aspirants rely on, Balisado said this does not guarantee a sure win.
“Wala naman lucky number, otherwise, lahat mananalo kon mag-file sa araw na ‘yon. We are living in the modern world. Kon may pamahiin man tayo, I think we need to reassess it,” said Balisado.
However, he said, a candidate has the right when to file a COC.
Around 300 aspiring candidates have already filed COCs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 3, mostly councilors, board members and mayors.
Three reelectionist governors in Western Visayas have so far filed theirs: Rhodora Cadiao (Antique), Esteban Contreras (Capiz) and Eugenio Jose Lacson (Negros Occidental).
Balisado also expects an influx of aspiring candidates this Wednesday until Friday.
On the other hand, Balisado said other candidates might not have secured yet their Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) from their parties.
Balisado thanked the Police Regional Office 6 for helping ensure that minimum public health standards were met in election offices, and for enforcing a gun ban.
Balisado said the first three days of COC filing had been peaceful./PN
