More than 1.4 million certificates of candidacy (COC) were filed for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), higher than the 2018 BSKE aspirants, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
However, Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the final number will be known on September 19.
“The final number of candidates has yet to be determined, though, as petitions for cancellation or disqualification may still be filed,” he said.
“As of September 5, 2023, a total of 1,414,487 filed their COCs for the October 30 BSKE,” he said.
Of the figures, 96,962 individuals are running for Punong Barangay; 731,682 for members of the Sangguniang Barangay; 92,774 for chairperson of Sangguniang Kabataan, and 493,069 for members of the Sangguniang Kabataan.
Laudiangco said the number of filers for this year is more than the 2018 figure which was 1,193,368.
He also said that more aspirants filed their COCs compared to the 1,193,368 recorded in the last May 2018 BSKE.
Meanwhile, poll body Chair George Garcia says 936 prisoners will be able to vote for BSKE, a first for inmates in the New Bilibid Prison.
Garcia likewise thanked the Comelec personnel, law enforcement agencies, local government units, partner malls, and election watchdogs for a “successful” conduct of the filing period.
“The results are more than what we can ask for. Our congratulations and much appreciation to everyone who joined and assisted us in this activity,” Garcia added.