SANGGUNIANG Kabataan (SK) aspirants aged over 24 years old and barangay bets not residing in the communities they seek to lead should forego their plans to file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will not accept their COCs during the filing period set from August 28 to September 2, 2023.
“For the SK candidates who will be more than 24 years of age on Election Day, we are making it clear that we won’t be accepting your COCs,” said Comelec chairman George Garcia in an interview.
“As for those running for barangay posts, once we see that you are not registered in the barangay where you are looking to run, don’t even attempt to file your COC because we will not accept it,” he added.
The move is in contrast to previous practices wherein those designated to receive COCs have the ministerial duty to receive all applications.
“Do not even attempt because we won’t accept them. If you want, you can go to the courts,” said Garcia.
Under Republic Act No. 10742, SK bets must be a citizen of the Philippines, a registered SK voter, a resident of the barangay for not less than one year immediately preceding the day of the elections, at least 18 years but not more than 24 years of age on the day of the elections, able to read and write, and must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official, in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.
As for barangay candidates, they must be a citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter in the barangay where he/she intends to be elected, a resident there for at least one year immediately preceding the day of the election, able to read and write, and at least 18 years of age on election day.
As for the venue of the COC filing, the Comelec said Election Officers (EOs) may seek their transfer if deemed necessary.
“The Commission anticipates numerous requests from Election Officers (EOs) for change of venue for the filing of COC as their respective offices are not suitable due to reasons of security of aspirants and/or Comelec employees, limited space, or other valid grounds,” said Comelec Resolution No. 10904.
It said the EOs may file a request for transfer of venue for the filing of COCs not later than July 28, 2023 to their Provincial Election Supervisor and/or Regional Election Director.
The guidelines also said that the proposed new venue must not be owned, leased, or occupied by any incumbent official or any person who is related to any incumbent official within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or any officer of the government or leader of any political party, group or faction, nor in any building or surrounding premises under the actual control of a private entity, political party or religious organization.
It also said that the venue must be of sufficient size to admit and comfortably accommodate a reasonable number of aspirants at one time; located within the territory or jurisdiction of the Office of the EO concerned.
