• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A total of 13,879 candidates for the synchronized barangay and Sangguuniang Kabataan elections in Negros Occidental filed their Certificates of Candidacy on August 28 and 29, according to records of the Commission on Elections provincial office.
During the first day of filing on Aug. 28, a total of 8,030 candidates filed COCs in various Comelec offices, and 5,849 followed on Aug. 29.
Of those who filed, 783 candidates filed their COC for the position of barangay captain, a total of 7,223 for barangay kagawad, 850 for the position of SK chairperson, and 4,663 for SK member.
The COC filing period will end September 2, to be followed by the campaign period from October 19 to 28.
Provincial Comelec supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria earlier reminded those who have already filed COCs that they are now considered candidates, and that they should refrain from committing premature campaigning.*
