Comelec limits bets’ companions in COC filing for 2025 polls

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set a limit on the number of companions of aspirants in next year's midterm elections. Based on Resolution No. 11045 made public Friday, the poll body will allow three to four companions of candidates running for national and local posts during the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) on Oct. 1 to 8. The poll body said the measure seeks to prevent overcrowding in COC filing venues. "Aspirants for any elective office or their authorized representatives shall be allowed to be accompanied by a maximum of three persons during the filing of COC, while an aspirant for the position of senator may be accompanied by a maximum of four persons," it added. At the same time, the Comelec said those running for senatorial posts and party-list must file their COCs and Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination (CON-CAN) at the Law Department in Intramuros, Manila or in another venue as may be designated by the Commission En Banc. For bets for local positions such as g overnor, vice governor, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), they are required to file their COCs in their respective Offices of the Provincial Election Officer (OPES). The Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) shall receive the COCs for candidates for mayors, vice mayors, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Bayan (city or town council). For those seeking to be elected as members of the House of Representatives, they must file their COCs before the Office of the Regional Election Director (ORED), OPES or OEOs. On the other hand, the poll body reiterated that each party-list has to nominate 10 individuals, from which the representatives shall be chosen in case it obtains the required number of votes. "Nomination of less than 10 nominees shall not be accepted and shall not be given due course by the Commission," it said. Source: Philippines News Agency