THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the filing period for the certificates of candidacy (COCs) for those seeking to run in the December 9 special election in the third district of Negros Oriental to fill in the post vacated by the expulsion of Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.
Comelec Resolution No. 10958 set the new deadline to file the COCs on November 11, Saturday, instead of the original last day of November 8, Wednesday.
“To give ample time for aspirants to file their Certificate of Candidacy, it is imperative for the Commission to issue a Supplemental Resolution to Comelec Resolution No. 10957,” said the Comelec.
The filing period opened last Monday with no one filing their COCs, according to the poll body.
On Tuesday, Col. Rey P. Lopez became the first COC filer for the third district of Negros Oriental.
“Usually, the filing of COCs happen on the last day because they want to see first who will be filing their COCs,” Comelec chairman George Garcia said.
Garcia said all eligible individuals may file their COCs provided they meet the basic requirements of the process.
“Whoever files their COC, qualified or not, of age or not, citizen or not, registered voter or not, we will always accept their COCs,” said Garcia, adding: “We will accept all COCs since we don’t have the discretion not to accept because this is a ministerial duty of the Commission.”
Asked directly if Teves may file a COC, the poll chief refused to give a categorical answer.
“I cannot give an answer on that yet because I may prejudge and preempt whatever action of the Comelec will be,” said Garcia.
Teves was kicked out by the House of Representatives last August for disorderly behavior and violation of the chamber’s Code of Conduct.
Subsequently, the House approved a resolution urging the poll body to hold a special election for the successor of Teves.
Likewise, Garcia said the Comelec will be ready to accept disqualification cases that will be filed against those looking to run in the December 9 special polls.
“If there is anyone who believes that there is an issue or ground to disqualify those who filed his/her COC, then we will accept the petition to disqualify,” he said.
The Comelec head also assured that they will quickly resolve petitions to disqualify or declare an aspirant a nuisance candidate before the election.
