SK, Barangay elections: 3,015 COCs filed in first three days

CEBU, Philippines — The first three days of the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the upcoming barangay and SK elections already generated 3,015 aspirants for the different local posts.

During the first day, only the towns of Alcantara, Alcoy, Malabuyoc, San Francisco, and Talisay City which did not have anyone yet filing a COC for any electoral position.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) noted an increase in the number of electoral aspirants for the coming election compared to the previous one due to the inclusion of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

SK elections were not included in the previous barangay elections held in 2013.

Both the barangay and the SK polls were originally scheduled for October 2016, but were deferred twice.

After two postponements, the local election for the barangay level is set on May 14.

In light of this nationwide activity, the filing of COCs started last Saturday and will end on April 20. The election gun ban has also started on the same day of the filing and will last until May 21.

The campaign period will run from May 4 to 12.

Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Castillano said that the Comelec only performs ministerial duties in terms of the COC.

One can only be considered a "nuisance candidate" or be disqualified from running for position if someone files a petition against someone who has already filed a COC.

“You (are) just making mockery out of the election, nilansar lang ka aron panglawgaw ba,” explained Castillano on what is a nuisance candidate.

He continued that the financial capability of an aspirant to fund his campaign alone is not enough ground to be disqualified from running.

Meanwhile, several people came to the Comelec in Cebu City to claim their voters ID cards on the third day of the filing of COCs, even after the announcement about the National Identification System Bill.

As declared in the Senate Bill 1163, the national identification card will do away with the need to present other documents required for identification purposes.

Kenneth T. Dacuital, 22, from Barangay Kasambagan, was among those who went to the Comelec to get his voter’s certification and asked for the availability of the voter’s ID.

Jocelyn Sumacot, 38, of Barangay Calamba, also came to claim her voter’s ID since she was registered on 2009.

Both said that they are aware of the National Identification Bill and is in favor of it to lessen the hassle of bringing multiple IDs.

As of yesterday, 102 COCs have been filed in the North District and 109 for the South District of Cebu City. — Ivory Pauline Escarro, CNU COMM Intern (FREEMAN)