COC filing 'proceeded smoothly,' says Comelec spox

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez on Friday noon said the filing of certificates of candidacy for those running in the 2022 elections has "proceeded smoothly."

“So far the filing has proceeded smoothly… For the most part, compliance with health protocols is good,” Jimenez said in a  short press briefing three hours into the filing.

Jimenez said there are some instances when the poll officers have to remind the people to maintain proper distancing amid the pandemic, but added that most of the individuals at the venue  were compliant with other health standards imposed by the government.

“People have been very good about complying about the antigen test, about face masks and face shields, and the social distancing. Of course, it is a little difficult to always maintain social distance, but we are trying and we think that everyone deserves credit for being aware f this requirement at all times,” he said.

“So far compliant lahat [Everyone is compliant],” he added.

The poll body has required everyone, including the media, to present a negative COVID-19 test result valid for 24 hours before they are allowed to enter the COC filing area.

The filing of COC for national posts was -- scaled down this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- is held at the Harbor Garden Tent inside the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila compound. It will run from October 1 to 8, 2021.

As of posting time, five aspirants for president, two for vice president, nine for senator and 11 for party-list have filed their COCs.  —KBK, GMA News