The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said yesterday it expects the bulk of 2025 election aspirants to file their certificates of candidacies (COCs) and nomination in the next two days, noting that only half of expected party-list registrants have already lodged formal intentions to run for the midterm polls.
As of yesterday, October 6, the Comelec has processed 78 COCs for senatorial aspirants and 87 party-list organizations, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said in a press conference.
“‘Yung natitira medyo madami-dami pa rin ‘yun, kaya ina-anticipate na natin ‘yung pagdagsa nila bukas,” he said.
“Bukas kung sakaling lampas alas-singko na pero marami pang nasa areas of filing … ire-receive pa rin natin ang kanilang COC,” he said.
“Prine-predict namin na lalo sa Tuesday gagabihin tayo dahil magproproseso tayo even after 5:00 p.m.,” he said.
The Comelec expects 160 party-lists to register for the 2025 elections.
Party-lists that will not be able to file their documents for the upcoming polls will incur a “non participation” tag.
“Base sa naging decision ng Korte Suprema, kapag dalawang non-participation, cancelled ang kanyang registration,” Garcia said.
“Ang hindi makakapag-file ng kanilang CONA, it’s as if na hindi sila nakapag participate … Dapat sumulat sila sa amin para sabihin na hindi muna sila makakasama ngayon,” he said.
Garcia reminded election hopefuls to come to filing venues as early as possible or to send their staff in advance to have the Comelec check if they lack other requirements.
“Marami ang vine-verify sa party-list, 10 nominees kasi,” the Comelec chief explained.
“Ang maganda, ipadala na ng maaga [ang files], titingnan ng mga tauhan namin sa law department kung ano ang kulang … Ganoon ang magandang strategy,” he said.
The Comelec is expected to accept all COC and nominations as the poll body’s task is ministerial, Garcia said.
The acceptance of their registration does not guarantee that their names will appear on the 2025 ballot as the Comelec will have to review if they meet the criteria for the position they are aiming for, he said. (ABS-CBN News)