COMELEC issues guidelines in
the filing of candidacy
By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
February
8, 2007
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte
– The Commission on Elections has issued guidelines on the filing of
certificates of candidacy and nomination of official candidates of registered
political parties in connection with the May 14, 2007 synchronized national and
local elections.
No person shall be elected
Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, Provincial, City or municipal
official unless he files a sworn certificate of candidacy in the form prescribed
by the Commission and within the period fixed herein: For Senator, January 15,
2007 to February 12, 2007; and For Local Officials (including Members of the
House of Representatives) – January 15, 2007 to March 29, 2007.
For candidates for Senator,
their certificates of candidacy must be filed at the Law Department of the
COMELEC. The candidates as House Representatives, other than those at NCR, and
provincial officials, may file their certificates of candidacy at the Provincial
election supervisor. Candidates at the municipal level may file their
certificates of candidacy with the municipal election officers.
The same COMELEC Guidelines,
promulgated on January 5, 2007 also provided for the contents of the certificate
of candidacy, and where to submit the certificates of candidacy.
The effects of filing of
candidacy to any person holding a public appointive office or position including
active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other officers and
employees in government-owned or controlled corporations, shall be considered
ipso facto resigned from his office upon the filing of his certificate of
candidacy.
Any elective official, whether
national or local, running for any office shall not be considered resigned upon
the filing of his certificate of candidacy.
Any candidate, political
party, accredited citizens’ arm may appoint a watcher in connection with the
filing and reception of the certificates of candidacy. The watcher shall be
allowed to stay within the premises of the authorized receiving office and to
take note of the proceedings but without interrupting or disturbing official
business. Any watcher may report in writing to the Commission any irregularity,
which may require appropriate action.
Watchers shall be entitled,
upon written request, to secure from the receiving officer a copy of the full
list of those who filed their certificates of candidacy and their respective
positions.
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Local legislative bodies can conduct administrative investigation only up to Feb. 12
