Comelec extends COC filing for Negros Oriental congressional polls

MANILA — Politicians aspiring to replace expelled Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. would have more time to file their certificate of candidacy (COC) for the upcoming special congressional polls.

In a resolution, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) extended the filing of COC for the scheduled Dec. 9 special polls until 5 p.m. of Nov. 11 from the previous Nov. 8 deadline.

The Comelec said it opted to extend the filing of COC to give eligible candidates “ample time” for aspirants to file the COC.

Yesterday, Col. Rey P. Lopez was the first to file the COC. The Commission has not received a single COC on the first day of filing on Monday.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Lopez had already run in previous elections.

The election period and gun ban is set to start on Nov. 9 until Dec. 25. The campaign period will be from Nov. 9 to December 7.

Voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and canvassing of votes shall follow after the closing of the voting.

Based on Comelec data, there are a total of 301,264 registered voters in the 3rd Legislative District of Negros Oriental.

The House of Representatives previously adopted a resolution calling on the Commission to hold a special election to fill in the seat left by Teves. — (FREEMAN)