COC filing
THE filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for next year’s elections ends today (October 8), with the Philippine National Police (PNP) stepping up its campaign against armed groups.
It is public knowledge that local elections are more heated than national polls.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) and police records show that local candidates, like mayors, vice mayors and councilors, are mostly relatives. neighbors and friends.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered all his field commanders to intensify security measures against the country’s private armed groups (PAGs).
In the past, some local politicians, particularly the moneyed and influential, maintained PAGs to intimidate and harass political opponents during the campaign period.
Thus, it is certainly heartening to know that the PNP, which is civilian in nature but national in scope, has reminded its officers and men to remain neutral during the politcal exercise.
After the end of the COC filing, the political climate may heat up in the countryside, where there are many related candidates.
“Sa totoo lang, maraming magkakamag-anak at magkakapit-bahay ang hindi nag-uusap kahit tapos na ang eleksyon dahil lang sa politika,” a village official lamented.
Thus, PNP officers and men ought to heed the appeal of General Marbil to remain neutral if we are to ensure the holding of free, honest and peaceful elections in 2025.
