Comelec moves COC filing for barangay, SK elections

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 22) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has moved the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the barangay and sangguniang kabataan (SK) elections.

"We reset the filing of COCs for BSKE from July 3-7 to Aug. 28 to Sept. 2," Comelec chairperson George Garcia told reporters in a text message on Wednesday.

In a press statement, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the original dates of the filing period ensures that the poll body could deputize law prosecution and enforcement agencies of the government early.

"Nonetheless, the Commission will proceed with its early coordination and security planning with the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the National Bureau of Investigation," Laudiangco said.

Garcia previously said the early COC filing period would give Comelec time to resolve election-related cases.

Sen. Francis Tolentino on Monday asked the poll body to push back the COC filing as "it will burden local government units."

According to the revised calendar of activities for the barangay and SK polls, Comelec said the election period will run from Aug. 28 to Nov. 14, with a gun ban also enforced.

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Campaign activities are prohibited from Aug. 28 to Oct. 18. Campaigning is also not allowed on Oct. 29 to 30, when a liquor ban will be observed.

Candidates are expected to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures to the poll body until Nov. 29.

CNN Philippines correspondent Paige Javier contributed to this report.