Comelec says no required registration fees for BSKE candidates 

Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday reminded candidates for the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) that they do not have to pay a fee to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) when registering as candidates.

“Registration with the BIR and payment of the corresponding registration fee are not required for the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and are not prerequisites for continuing as a candidate,” the Comelec said in an advisory.

According to the Comelec, the Supreme Court has already pronounced that no property or financial requirement shall be imposed as part of the qualifications for being a candidate in elections.

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“Requiring candidates to pay a registration fee with the BIR, with a concomitant penalty for non-compliance, is tantamount to imposition of a financial requirement for running for a public office,” Comelec added.

Based on Comelec’s data, a total of 1,414,487 aspiring candidates have filed certificates of candidacies for the BSKE nationwide.

The official campaign period will start on October 19 to 28, while the election day is set to be held on October 30.

JPV