Anticipating the surge in the number of last minute filers today, Friday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it can “extend” the operations of the venues, which process certificates of candidacy (COCs) and certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONAs).
Citing Comelec Resolution 10717, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said they can still process the COCs even beyond the 5 p.m., if it is stamped “received” before the said deadline.
At 4:45 p.m. of the last day of the COC filing, the receiving officer shall list the names of the aspirants inside the designated queuing area consecutively, while indicating the time of listing.
Likewise, at 5 p.m. of the last day, Comelec will also list down the names of aspirants inside and within 30 meters from the designated queuing area.
Jimenez stressed only those with “completed” COCs will be listed.
COCs will be considered “incomplete” if it has no documentary stamp attached; no signature of the aspirant; not notarized COC, no signature of the notary public; has incomplete address; has no photograph; and a COC not completely filled out.
Comelec will then call out the names of those listed in the order they arrived in the filing venue.
Those who will fail to appear when their name is called may result in non-acceptance of COC.
The poll body is scheduled to start releasing the partial list of candidates for the 2022 polls on Oct. 29, 2021 in its website at www.comelec.gov.ph as well as at the poll offices, where the COCs were filed.
Filers will have until Nov. 8, 2021 to check errors in their names, which will appear in the ballot and have it rectified.