THE Commission on Elections on Monday advised individuals planning to run for the village and youth council next month to familiarize themselves with the Certificate of Candidacy forms early to prevent errors in filing them up.
“Downloading the COCs early will give them a chance to familiarize themselves with it,” said Comelec spokesperson James Arthur Jimenez.
The documents will be filled up by the candidates in three copies.
Jimenez said getting COCs would also help the candidates to make strategies, particularly with regard to the use of nicknames or aliases.
He added the COCs might be obtained either at the local Offices of Election Officers or be downloaded at the Comelec official website: Official COMELEC Website :: Commission on Elections
The commission already set a calendar of activities and periods of prohibited acts in connection with the May 14 synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 10246, the filing of certificates of candidacy commences on April 14 and ends on April 20, giving those interested to run in the upcoming elections seven days to submit their COC.
“During the nine-day campaign period which is fixed from May 4 to May 12, making any donation or gift in cash or in kind is prohibited, as well as appointing or using special policemen or confidential agents; construction or maintenance of barangay funded roads and bridges; appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of new position, promotion, giving of salary increases, remuneration or privileges, etc.,” the resolution stated.
Campaigning is prohibited on the eve of election day, May 13.
The election period is set from April 14 to May 21, during which the Commission prohibits the alteration of precincts or establishment of new precincts; carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons; use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates; transfer of officers and employees in the civil service; and suspension of any elective local officer.
On election day, casting of votes in polling precincts will be from 7 am to 3 pm.
Two kinds of ballots will be used in the elections.
The barangay ballot will be used by voters aged 18 and up to elect the Punong Barangay and the members—called Kagawad—of the Sangguniang Barangay while the SK ballot will be used by voters aged 15 to 30 who are registered in the SK system.
Traditionally, the Comelec conducted a manual barangay and SK polls since the commission dId not need to consolidate votes on a national level.
Voters are to choose one chairman and six barangay council members while young voters will elect their SK chief and six council members.