MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday moved the period for filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the May 2019 polls a week later than its original schedule.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body's en banc approved the resetting of the COC filing period from Oct. 1-5 to October 11-17.
“The Comelec en banc has authorized the re-scheduling of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 elections to Oct. 11-17,” he said in a statement.
Jimenez, however, noted that there will only be a five-day filing period, since Comelec offices will be closed on Saturday (Oct. 13) and Sunday (Oct. 14).
He added that there will be no extension as they will only accept COCs until 5 p.m. on October 17.
In a separate interview, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said the request of lawmakers was granted since it will not affect their preparations for the May 2019 polls.
“Fortunately, our Law Department Director said that they can finish the final list of candidates by Dec. 15 even if we move the filing period, provided that they have more people and computers, which the Commission en banc approved,” she said.
Earlier, the Senate and House of Representatives adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13 and House Concurrent Resolution No. 20, respectively for the resetting of the period of filing of the COC from Oct. 1-5 to October 11-17. (PNA)
