Article by:
Noel Punzalan
COTABATO CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here on Friday reminded aspirants for local elective positions that they will not be allowed to personally file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) unless they get tested first for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
This came about as lawyer Norfaisa Paglala-Manduyog, city election officer, emphasized that they will be strict in accommodating local political aspirants for mayor, vice-mayor, and councilors due to existing threats brought by Covid-19.
“Only aspirants vying for various political posts in the city with either one or two companions would be allowed inside the Comelec office at a time,” she said in an interview by reporters here Friday.
“The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or antigen test administered 24 hours before the COC filing is a must,” Paglala-Manduyog added.
The Comelec, however, clarified that representatives who tested negative for Covid-19 can personally file on behalf of candidates who have not undergone testing.
Before the pandemic, the traditional filing of COCs for elections could be compared to a festivity, with huge numbers of supporters congregating at Comelec offices.
The Comelec has earlier scheduled October 1 to 8, 2021 for the filing of COCs by both national and local aspirants for next year’s polls.
Meantime, the city election official said the registration of new voters here is ongoing and will end on September 30. The city currently has 112,000 registered voters. (PNA)
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