Comelec requires physical filing of COC, issues safety protocols

This file photo shows a Commission on Elections staff member during the May 13, 2019, midterm elections. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) would require the physical filing of certificates of candidacies (COCs) in October as it issued safety rules of conduct for the event.

In Comelec Resolution No. 10717, the poll body says COC filing would be from October 1-8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and that presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial aspirants should present a negative swab or antigen test result.

The resolution was promulgated Wednesday and posted on Comelec’s website Friday.

“The COC shall be filed by the aspirant personally or through an authorized representative with a sworn and signed Authority to File the COC,” it said, adding that COC filed by mail, email, telegram, or facsimile will not be accepted.

“For aspirants for the positions of President, Vice-President, Senator, RT-PCR test or antigen test taken within the last 24 hours prior to the filing of COC/CONA [Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance], indicating a negative result shall be required,” it also said.

A negative RT-PCR or antigen test result would also be required from authorized representatives of the candidates, Comelec personnel, security force from the police and military, as well as media covering the event, according to Comelec.

Comelec said they will shoulder the antigen tests of their clerks, police and military personnel, as well as aspirants who could not afford one.

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All persons will also be required to wear face masks and face shields while inside the Comelec premises.

Temperature checks and health declaration forms will also be required.

All candidates and authorized representatives should also bring their own pen.

KGA