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Comelec: First day of COC filing ‘peaceful, organized’


The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday said the first day of the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) for Eleksyon 2022 was “peaceful and organized."

“So overall, the first day of the filing of the certificate of candidacy has been very peaceful and organized," Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

"The AFP and the PNP, and all other partner agencies have been instrumental in instituting peace and order in all filing venues nationwide,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez said the Comelec was prepared for any eventuality., adding that the commission was are “confident” that poll body is “off to a good start.”

He  said the commission was still waiting for the full report from Comelec regional offices.

Jimenez one one staff member of a candidate in Batangas was found positive for COVID-19.

“He was immediately isolated and referred to the DOH together with the close contacts,” Jimenez said.

All Comelec offices were very prepared and they were able to “function smoothly” with the help of the AFP and the PNP, he said.

The Comelec spokesperson likewise reported that health and safety protocols were strictly observed within the filing venues and no congregation of supporters were seen near the Comelec offices.

Like in the pre-pandemic era, Jimenez said that there are no surge of filers during the first day of the COC filing, adding that aspirants tend to “cluster” toward the end of the filing period.

He also noted that some filer consider October 7 and 8 as “auspicious” dates for their COC filing.

On the other hand, Jimenez said individuals who have not filed their COCs for the 2022 elections during the given period can still substitute as long as they are partymates with the candidate who voluntarily withdrew his candidacy.

Asked if a non-partymate will substitute for the aspirant who filed the COC, Jimenez said: “We have no prohibitions so technically, that should be allowed.”

At the end of the first day of COC filing, there are five aspirants who filed their COCs for president, three for vice president, 14 for senators, and 18 for partylists.

The filing of COC for national posts — scaled down this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic — is being held at the Harbor Garden Tent inside the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila compound in Pasay City. -NB, GMA News

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