THE first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in Cebu proceeded smoothly on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, according to an official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Central Visayas.
Acting Election Director Lionel Castillano told SunStar Cebu on Monday, that the activity was a success because they had coordinated with the Philippine National Police to ensure the venues were secured.
The filing of COCs for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in the Philippines is from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2, while the elections will be held on Oct. 30, 2023.
In Mandaue City, Election Officer Anna Fleur Gujilde said they encountered no major problems throughout the process as candidates themselves were orderly and obeyed their instructions.
The initial application screening, held at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex, attracted a hundred applicants, according to Gujilde.
Gujilde said the remaining COC filing activities until Sept. 2 will be conducted at the Comelec’s Mandaue City office.
The election officer noted a high number of applicants on the first day of COC filing and anticipated this number to double during the rest of the week.
Supporters also gathered at the sports complex to show their support for their chosen candidates.
However, Gujilde said supporters are only permitted during the campaign period, which will start on Oct. 19 and end on Oct. 28, two days before the elections.
Gujilde evaluated the proceedings at the sports complex as generally peaceful and successful.
In Carcar City, Election Officer Omar Sharif Mamalinta said they grouped the city’s 15 barangays across the six-day COC filing period to prevent overcrowding and ensure a smooth process for each COC filing activity.
As for Gujilde, she reminded applicants to ensure they carry the correct and complete forms with the appropriate stamps to prevent delays and inconveniences during the application process.
She also urged applicants to bring an extra pen during filing and to refrain from sharing their COC filing activities on social media, as this could be deemed premature campaigning.
In the previous week, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said that the poll body and law enforcement agencies would take strict actions against early campaigning.
Garcia warned of potential criminal cases and disqualification for candidates who violate such regulations.
He said all posted materials, with or without the “vote for” phrase, must be removed.
“Campaigning, distribution of materials, and self-introduction are prohibited. All social media posts, particularly during the filing of candidacy, must be removed upon filing,” Garcia said in a mix of Tagalog and English.