MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has introduced new regulations for the 2025 midterm elections, restricting the number of companions allowed for candidates during the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).
According to Resolution No. 11045, unveiled on Friday (30 Aug 2024), candidates for national and local positions can be accompanied by up to three to four persons during COC filing from October 1 to 8. Specifically, senatorial candidates may bring up to four companions, while candidates for other positions are limited to three.
This measure aims to mitigate overcrowding at filing venues.
The Comelec mandates that senatorial candidates and party-list nominees file their COCs and Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination (CON-CAN) at the Law Department in Intramuros, Manila, or at another venue designated by the Commission En Banc. Candidates for local positions, including governor, vice governor, and provincial board members, must file their COCs at their respective Offices of the Provincial Election Officer (OPES). Meanwhile, mayors, vice mayors, and city or town council candidates should file with the Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs). Candidates for the House of Representatives must file with the Office of the Regional Election Director (ORED), OPES, or OEOs.
Additionally, the Comelec has reiterated that each party-list must nominate 10 individuals. Nominations of fewer than 10 will not be accepted or processed by the Commission.
el Amigo/mnm
