Comelec-ARMM exec urges candidates to file COCs early for 2019 polls

COTABATO CITY -- The Commission on Elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Comelec-ARMM) has called on individuals seeking elective posts in the region to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) early for the 2019 midterm polls.

Lawyer Ray Sumalipao, Comelec-ARMM director, said it would be ideal for candidates to submit their COCs promptly so that any problem that  might arise may be addressed on time.

The poll body has set Oct. 11-17, 2018, excluding weekends, as the dates for the filing of COCs in connection with the 2019 national and local elections.

“I presume there will be no extension dates for filing of COCs since the printing of ballots will start immediately as scheduled,” Sumalipao said in a radio interview here Monday.

Sumalipao said the poll body is on track regarding its programs and schedules for the polls set on May 13, 2019.

“(The Comelec) will be printing more than 60 million ballots so there should be no room for errors,” he said.

Candidates for next year’s polls -- senatorial, congressional, governor, vice governor, members of the provincial board, city and town mayors, vice mayors and council member seats -- will only have six days to submit their COCs.

Sumalipao also reminded ARMM residents that the ongoing registration will no longer be extended.

“The continuing registration for plebiscite and midterm polls have only until September 29 to register,” he said.

On January 21, 2019, the poll body will administer the referendum for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to determine its new political composition that would comprise the current ARMM provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur, the cities of Lamitan and Marawi; six proposed towns in Lanao del Norte; 39 villages in North Cotabato, and also the anticipated inclusion of Cotabato City and Isabela City in Basilan.

The BOL is the enabling law for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro forged between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to establish the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (PNA)