Comelec sets October 1 to 8 filing of COCs

MANILA, Philippines — With its sights set on the May 9, 2022 national and local polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced yesterday the calendar of activities and periods of prohibited acts related to the electoral exercise.

Through Comelec Resolution  10695, the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for all elective positions has been set on Oct. 1 to 8, 2021, including Saturday and Sunday.

The resolution also set the election period from Jan. 9, 2022 to June 8, 2022, during which several prohibited acts will be in effect, including the carrying of firearms.

“Gun ban is in effect for the entirety of this period, which means bearing, carrying or transporting of firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec, is prohibited,” read the resolution.

Other prohibited acts are the use of security or bodyguards by candidates unless authorized in writing by the Comelec; organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces or other similar forces.

The Comelec said the “alteration of territory of a precinct or establishment of a new precinct; transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service and suspension of elective local officials” shall also be banned during the election period.

Based on the calendar, the campaign period for candidates in national positions – president, vice president, senator and party-list groups – is from Feb. 8, 2022 to May 7, 2022.

On the other hand, candidates for local elective positions – members of House of Representatives and regional, provincial, city and municipal officials – can only start campaigning on Mar. 25, 2022. Local campaigns also end on May 7, 2022.

Campaigning is prohibited on the eve of Election Day until Election Day itself.

Comelec noted that campaigning is prohibited during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, on April 14 and April 15, 2022, respectively.

For a period of one month or from April 10, 2022 to May 9, 2022, overseas voters may cast their votes in Philippine embassies, consulates and other diplomatic posts pursuant to the overseas absentee voting system.

The poll body added that campaigning abroad is prohibited during this period.

“Local absentee voters have three days to vote, which is on April 27, 28 and 29, 2022. The last day to file an application to be a local absentee voter is on March 7, 2022,” the Comelec said.

Meanwhile, the liquor ban is in effect beginning May 8, 2022 until May 9, 2022. This means selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor is prohibited.

Several other prohibited acts will be implemented by then, such as giving or accepting free transportation, food or drinks or things of value; soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against a candidate or any political party in the polling place or within 30 meters thereof, the resolution stated.

Comelec added it is also illegal to open booths or stalls for the sale of merchandise or refreshments within a 30-meter radius from the polling place; and holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races or any other similar sports.