ZAMBOANGA CITY – The local office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it is ready for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for the 2019 mid-term elections.
City Comelec Officer Roy Cañete made the announcement Tuesday as the aspirants for elective positions for the 2019 polls are set to file their respective COCs starting Thursday, Oct. 11, until Wednesday, October 17.
Cañete said they will accept the COCs of candidates during office hours from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
However, he said they have yet to clarify with the Comelec central office if they can accept COCs on Oct. 12 since it is a holiday in this city.
October 12 is a special non-working holiday here, based on Republic Act No. 7350, since it is the feast day of Our Lady of the Pillar, the city’s most revered saint. The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is the highlight of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Cañete advised the aspirants to file their COCs early and with complete documentary requirements, which includes notarization.
He said the COC forms can be downloaded from the Comelec website.
The aspirants who are set to file their COCs with the local Comelec office are for the positions of congressional representatives, mayor, vice mayor and city councilors.
First District Rep. Celso Lobregat was the first to announce his intention to seek the mayoralty post in the 2019 midterm polls. (R. G. Antonet Go/PNA)
