767,064 bets file COCs for BSKE

MANILA, Philippines — Over 760,000 aspirants have so far filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec data showed a total of 767,064 COCs were received as of Aug. 30. Of the number, 58,602 are running for chairman, 421, 365 for Sangguniang Barangay, 46,921 for SK chairmen and 240,176 for SK councilors.

Male candidates accounted for 506,440 or 66 percent of the total figure as compared to 260,624 female aspirants.

In a television interview, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco warned anew those who have already filed their COCs against premature campaigning, with those guilty facing possible imprisonment.

Not election-related

Contrary to previous reports, the Comelec clarified yesterday that the reported violent incidents in Cainta, Rizal as well those in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and Datu Salibo, Maguindanao were not “election-related.”

Citing the latest reports from the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines, Laudiangco said the election was not the motive behind the killing of barangay tanods in Cainta, Rizal last week.

“Casualties and suspect had personal altercation due to issues related to TODA,” Laudiangco said.

The incident in Datu Salibo, where four police officers were injured, was on account of continuing anti-criminality and anti-terrorist operations. The killing of the barangay chairman in Midsayap happened prior to the election period and therefore not classified as election-related.

Whether the killing of incumbent barangay chairman Alex Repato in Libon, Albay was election-related, Laudiangco said it is being validated. The slaying of a barangay kagawad also in Libon cannot be classified as election-related since it happened prior to the election period.

COC filing extended

Aspirants from the National Capital Region will have another day to file their COCs for the Oct. 30 BSKE as the Comelec opted to extend the filing until Sunday.

“Due to suspension of government work on account of inclement weather, COC filing in NCR is extended until 5 p.m. of Sept. 3, 2023,” the Comelec announced yesterday.

Filing of COC in others parts of the country shall end on Saturday as previously set by the commission.

Yesterday, the Comelec suspended work in all its offices as well as the filing of COC in NCR due to severe rain and flooding brought about by Typhoon Goring.

In Abra, the Comelec has extended the filing of COC for the upcoming BSKE until Monday.

“Due to confirmation that work in government offices in the province of Abra is still suspended today (Aug. 31), the filing of COC in Abra is extended for two days, until Sept. 4,” the Comelec announced.