By JEN BAYLON
Nuisance candidates in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections can be disqualified by filing complaints to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The complaints should be submitted within five days after the last day for filing of certificates of candidacy (COC), Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria said yesterday.
The COC filing ended last Tuesday, October 8.
Ananoria said Comelec follows specific guidelines and procedures to implement such decisions.
According to Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code, complaints must be filed by registered voters in the local government unit where the nuisance candidate is running.
The Omnibus Election Code defines a nuisance candidate as one who files COC without genuine intent to run, often creating confusion among voters, especially if they share a name with legitimate candidates, which can undermine the credibility of the election process.
The Comelec-Central Office will release a final list of candidates deemed nuisances in November.
Ananoria said the provincial poll body will submit the hard copies of COCs and Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance of the aspirants to the Comelec-Central Office this weekend.
Meanwhile, Ananoria reminded all candidates for the 2025 midterm elections in the province to start registering their official social media accounts and pages.
They have until December 15 to register their websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs, and other online and internet-based campaign platforms with the Comelec.
He said those who fail to register can face charges.
Not in Comelec control
The Comelec in Negros Island Region (NIR) said Negros Oriental was not placed under Comelec control for the midterm elections.
Comelec-NIR regional director Lionel Marco Castillano said the declaration depends on peace and order in Negros Oriental.
He added that they have not monitored the presence of private armed groups in the province.
Based on the recommendation of the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC), only the Comelec en banc can declare it.
Castillano said the RJSCC cannot still be convened for now as the Philippine National Police has not yet established its Police Regional Office in the NIR, which is composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor./JB, WDJ