The Philippine Online Chronicles

Potential candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections can begin filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs) starting Friday (October 1).

Potential candidates have until October 13 to file a “sworn COC” either personally or through a duly authorized representative any time during the work hours of the relevant city, district or municipality's Office of the Election Officer.

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez, those qualified to seek a barangay position must be Filipino citizens of at least 18 years of age on the day of elections, be able to read and write Filipino or any local dialect, and are registered voters and residents of the barangay where they intend to run for office for at least one year prior to election day.

SK candidates must be Filipino citizens from 15 to 17 years old; able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect; are qualified members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan of the Barangay where they intend to run for office; and are residents of their barangay for at least one year preceding the election.

The polls will take place on October 25.

Preparations continue

Meanwhile, Comelec has placed 11 towns in the Ilocos region on their watchlist for the elections.

These areas are thought to be volatile due to the alleged presence of intense political rivalries. Reports of elections-related violence and other anomalous incidents are also high in the areas.

These include the town of Urbiztondo in the second district of Pangasinan, Bayambang and San Carlos City in the third district, Dagupan City in the fourth district and Sta. Maria, Natividad and Tayog in the sixth district, and  Naguilian, Agoo, Aringay and Tubao, in La Union’s second district.

In addition, the poll body will continue implementing a total gun ban until the end of the election season.