Candidates reminded of new COC regulations

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday reminded those who intend to run in the 2013 midterm polls about the new rules on the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) which starts tomorrow and ends on Friday.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that first of all, candidates with political parties should secure certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONA) and include them when they file their COCs.

Otherwise, Jimenez said they will be considered as “independent” candidates.

In past elections, bets were given a certain period to submit their CONA after they have filed their COCs.

According to Comelec Resolution No. 9518, the CONA “must be duly signed and attested to under oath, either by the party president, chairman, secretary-general or any other duly authorized officer of the nominating party and shall bear the acceptance of the nominee as shown by his signature in the space provided therein.”

The resolution stated that political or coalition parties are not allowed to nominate more than the number of candidates required to be elected in a particular position.

Jimenez said for the first time, the Comelec has also included in the COC forms a commitment by candidates that they will submit their statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) 30 days after election day.

SOCE is required under the Omnibus Election Code to determine if candidates exceeded the limits in campaign spending.

This policy is intended to level the playing field among the bets.

All systems go

The Comelec earlier said it was prepared for the filing of COCs starting tomorrow.

“We have already done the orientation of our election officers so they know what to do, so we don’t expect any big problem,” Jimenez said.

He said prospective candidates can download COC forms from the Comelec website.

“We have been encouraging them to get the forms for the last two weeks,” he said. “They can download a copy now so there won’t be a problem anymore.”

Jimenez said the Comelec is closely coordinating with the police to ensure peace and order during the filing period.