Comelec lays down last day COC filing procedure


Friday, Oct. 8 is the last day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2022 polls.

Comelec/MB

Being the last day, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has laid out the filing procedure for both national and local positions on the said day.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said based on Resolution No. 10717, if at 4:45 p.m. of the last day of filing of the COC, there are still aspirants inside the designated queuing area intending to file their respective COCS, the Receiving Officer shall:

-List the names of the aspirants inside the designated queuing area;

-List the names of the aspirants consecutively, indicating the time of listing. Only those with complete COCS shall be listed.

A COC is deemed incomplete if:

*No documentary stamp attached;

*No signature of the aspirant;

*Not notarized COC, no signature of the notary public;

*Incomplete address;

*No photograph; or

*Not completely filled out COC.

-Announce the names of the aspirants, in the order in which they are listed. Once name is called, the aspirant shall proceed with the filing of COC. Failure to appear when name is called may result in non-acceptance of the COC.

The Comelec said the same procedure shall be observed if at 5 p.m. of the last day of filing of the COC, there are still aspirants inside and within 30 meters from the designated queuing area.

It added that a COC filed in accordance with this procedure shall be stamped "received" at the time it is actually filed and shall be deemed filed on time.

Meanwhile, the Comelec said the last day to file a request for correction of clerical or typographical error on the name to appear on the official ballot shall be on Nov. 8, 2021.

The poll body said the tentative list of candidates will be posted starting Oct. 29, 2021 at the website of the Commission at www.comelec.gov.ph and at the offices where the COCs are filed for purposes of checking the name to appear on the official ballot.

"Aspirants are encouraged to check their names to appear on official ballots," said Jimenez.