Comelec clarifies: Not all COC filers will be official candidates

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday assured the public that not all of those who filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) will be included in the final ballot for the 2016 polls.

During the first day of filing COCs on Monday, 22 presidential aspirants have filed their candidacy while three aspirants filed for vice president. Meanwhile, 16 have filed for the senatorial race.

"'Yung ipinangangamba natin na mga indibidwal na sa tingin natin hindi seryoso masyado ay malamang sa hindi baka ganun din ang maging desisyon ng komisyon sa kanya at hindi n'yo rin siya makikita sa final ballot," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said during a press briefing.

Jimenez explained that the Comelec accepts all COCs filed and will later on screen the individuals vying for national positions.

"The filing of COCs is a manifestation of democracy and in a democratic process, ganyan talaga. May makikita kang gusto mo, may makikita kang ayaw," Jimenez said.

The Comelec official stressed that it is important to entertain all COC filers to give them an opportunity to prove that they can be considered for elective office.

"Mas mainam at mas regular 'yung ibibgyan mo ng pagkajataon na pakinggan yung kaso ng tao bago mo siya husgahan," the Comelec spokeserson said.

The Comelec is set to release the final list of national candidates by December 10.