Comelec ready for filing of COCs

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday is ready for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) scheduled to start on Thursday.

On Sandra Aguinaldo's report for State of the Nation with Jessica Soho, the final details are installed at the Palacio del Gobernador to be used for processing COCs and media briefings for candidates.

Frances Agundadao-Arabe, Comelec-Education and Information Department (EID) chief, said "Handang-handa na ang Comelec sa ngayon."

"We are only doing the final instructions for the media and also our walk through for the candidates' filling area," she said.

"By tomorrow, puwede nang mag-install ang ating media tapos ilalagay na namin din 'yung mga daanan ng mga kandidato and after that, ready na po kame," she added.

The Comelec prepared separate areas for senatorial and party-list group candidates.

A maximum of ten people per party are allowed to enter the room for party-list bets while only a maximum of five people per candidate can enter the separate area for senatorial bets.

The Comelec can allow several members of one political party to enter the venue at once.

In case members of rival political parties arrive, they will be led to separate holding rooms.

The poll body said anybody can file their COC as long as they observe rules and regulations.

"Lahat po may karapatang mag-file ng kanilang candidacy," Arabe said.

"Ang pinagbabawal lang 'yung mga building restrictions natin like firearms and yung may pets. Minsan may dalang manok, mga favorite pet o lucky pet. So hindi po ina-allow ng Palacio del Gobernador," she explained.

Arabe added that family members or companions allowed to accompany each candidate during the filing will be limited to five.

"So that includes the family, security and photographers," Arabe said. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News