MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is weighing the option to move up the filing period for certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2028 national elections.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia discussed the proposal in an interview on Monday (20 Jan 2025), suggesting that the filing, traditionally set for October of the year preceding the election, could be moved to July 2027.
“We’re thinking that it might be more beneficial to conduct the filing of COCs earlier for the 2028 elections. Instead of October, we’re considering July 2027,” Garcia explained.
The proposed earlier timeline, he added, would provide the Comelec ample time to address any legal challenges related to candidates.
“Candidates aren’t officially recognized until the campaign period begins. If we start the filing in July, we’d have enough time to resolve any legal cases, and those affected could appeal to the Supreme Court,” Garcia said.
With the current filing period scheduled from October 1 to 8, 2027, Comelec would aim to resolve cases before the end of November. The proposed July timeline would allow decisions to be made by September, giving candidates until December to pursue any appeals.
Garcia clarified that the decision on the election schedule is within the power of the Comelec’s seven-member panel. “The scheduling of election activities is under the jurisdiction of Comelec. It’s within our authority to move the COC filing earlier,” he stated.
However, the proposed change would require adjustments in other areas of the election process, particularly voter registration. “If we push the COC filing to July, voter registration must be completed beforehand, and several other logistical issues need to be considered,” Garcia added.
Historically, the COC filing period has been held in October of the year before the elections, with the 2025 election filings taking place from October 1 to 8, 2024.
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