Comelec includes conflict of interest declaration in COC

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the inclusion of a sworn declaration of conflict of interest in the certificate of candidacy (COC), requiring candidates to comply with existing laws that prohibit financial interests that may affect the performance of their public duties.

In a memorandum dated Aug. 4, the Comelec approved the recommendation of its Law Department during its July 24 referendum to include the declaration in the COC.

The new undertaking states that candidates, once elected, should comply with the provisions under Republic Acts 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Candidates should declare that they will observe the prohibition against having direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interests in any business, contract or transaction that may be affected by the performance of their official duties.

“These are not new conditions imposed for purposes of candidacy,” the poll body’s Law Department said.

The department said the declaration aims to promote transparency and ensure that candidates are placed on record regarding financial interests that may affect the discharge of their responsibilities if elected.

The Comelec cited its authority under Section 52(g) of the Omnibus Election Code, which allows the commission to prescribe election forms, as the basis for adding the declaration in the COC.