MANILA, Philippines?Major political candidates are expected to file their certificates of candidacy ?in the last few days? of the filing period to maximize their advertising time, a Commission on Elections official said.

Elections Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the poll body was expecting an influx of big-name national candidates before the deadline on Dec. 1.

?Once they file their CoC, they are under the jurisdiction of the Comelec,? he said. As such, the candidates will have to stop airing their commercials and take down their streamers or stand the risk of being charged with premature campaigning.

Larrazabal also noted that some political parties were still forming alliances with other groups.

Last Friday, during the first day of the filing of CoC, only 14 candidates for president and 3 for senator were accepted by the Comelec.

On Saturday, the Comelec law department said it did not received any applications.

The filing of CoC is from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1.

Larrazabal appealed to candidates to limit the number of supporters accompanying them when they submit their CoC.

?What?s important is that they file their COC?s and that they complete all the documentary requirements before they file,? he added.