COC filing for national positions moved to Sofitel tent – Comelec
THE Commission on Elections yesterday announced that the filing of certificates of candidacy for national positions next month will be moved from its main office in Intramuros, Manila to a Sofitel tent in Pasay City.
The Comelec said the venue was chosen due to its large size and proper ventilation.
Comelec executive director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said the filing of COCs at Sofitelfrom October 1 to 8 would be divided into candidates for president, vice president, the Senate and party-lists.
These same candidates for national positions will be required to present a negative antigen test.
For his part, Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said antigen tests will also be administered for free at the venue for those unable to take one beforehand.
The poll body last month denied calls to allow the online filing of COCs which proponents said would help reduce in-person contact amid rising COVID-19 cases in the country. Comelec at the time emphasized that in-person filing is required by the law.
The Comelec also renewed its rejection of proposals to extend the voter registration period by a month.
This, despite the Senate adopting on Tuesday night a resolution urging the poll body to move the registration deadline from Sept. 30, 2021, to Oct. 31, 2021.
“We regret to inform this body that the Comelec En Banc has already decided unanimously that there will be no extension of registration,” Casquejo said, citing timeline concerns.
The commissioner, however, said he would raise the issue again at the next Comelec en banc meeting.
