Candidates reminded to file COCs during prescribed period

THOSE who want to run in next year’s elections should file their certificates of candidacy (COC) early and make sure their documents are complete, to avoid hitches. The filing of the COC will start tomorrow and end on Friday.

Atty. Marchel Sarno, Cebu City north district election officer, reminded candidates to make sure their COCs are sworn before a notary public or any official authorized to administer oath.

He said documentary stamps should be attached to the COC.

For candidates who are running under registered political parties or coalitions, Sarno said their certificates of nomination and acceptance (Cona) should be attached to their COCs.

Members of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan headed by Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district) already got their Cona from the Liberal Party (LP).

Mayor Michael Rama and his Team Rama have not yet received theirs.

The mayor, who is a bona fide member of the LP, wrote the senior leaders of the party, including President Benigno Aquino III and Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, seeking a party nomination. He is still waiting for their response.

Sarno also reminded candidates to file their COCs before 5 p.m. between Oct. 1 and 5.
“We will no longer accept those who will file their COCs beyond the said schedule,” he said.

According to Sarno, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will accept all COCs filed within the prescribed period.

“It is a ministerial duty on the part of the poll body. As long as kumpleto ang ilang mga dokumento, dawaton namo tanan. Dili man mi nag-deliberate kung nuisance candidate ba na siya or unsa (As long as their papers are complete, we will accept. We can’t yet deliberate if they’re nuisance candidates),” he said.

Under Comelec Resolution 9518, those who are holding a public appointive position must vacate their posts once they file their COC.

In Cebu City, affected by this is former city councilor now City Traffic Operations Management Board Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem.

Asked who will replace Jakosalem, Rama said: “We’ll cross the bridge when we get there.” (PDF)