Village bets flock to Comelec despite heavy traffic

The heavy traffic caused by an outreach project of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Monday failed to deter people running in the Oct. 28 barangay (village) elections from filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“A quick check with the Comelec field offices indicates that the filing of COCs continues unabated,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in his Twitter account.

Monday was the second day of the five-day period for the filing of COCs.

Jimenez said that the INC medical mission in Manila, which prompted the government to suspend classes in the elementary and high school levels in most parts of Metro Manila, did not dampen the enthusiasm of political hopefuls eyeing seats in their barangay councils.

The Comelec, meanwhile, reiterated that its offices would be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday despite it being a holiday. Election officers will be on hand to process those who would be filing their COCs.

“We encourage you to file your COCs early but don’t campaign early, not until Oct. 18,” Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. said.

There are 42,028 barangay chairmanships and 294,196 council posts up for grabs in the Oct. 28 elections. Each barangay will elect a captain and seven council members.