The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that additional safeguards are included in the new Certificate of Candidacy in connection with the May 13, 2013 Automated National and Local Elections.
COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez said among the novel items introduced in the new COC is the strict requirement for candidates to file their “full, true and itemized” Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) in connection with the election.
“In the new COC, the candidates are required to declare under oath that they will file, with the COMELEC, their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) within thirty (30) days after the election,” said Jimenez. “This added safeguard will help in leveling the playing field by promoting transparency in their election spending.”
Jimenez adds that the requirement for the filing of Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) of the official candidates of the duly registered political party or coalition of political parties simultaneously with the filing of COC has also been introduced. This will help minimize confusion as to the affiliations of the candidates, Jimenez explained.
An additional box requiring the inclusion of “Name/Words to appear on the ballot not to exceed thirty (30) characters” can also be found in the new COC. “This was included to give candidates a certain degree of freedom in determining how their name will appear on the official ballot,” said Jimenez.
The period for the filing of COCs shall run from October 1, 2012 to October 5, 2012 during office hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. ###
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