• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As the deadline for filing of certificate of candidacy (COC) for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections ends today, the Commission on Elections reported that as of August 31, a total 24,387 candidates have filed COCs.
Of the candidates, Comelec records indicate that 1,395 filed for the position of Punong Barangay, and 3,915 for kagawad, for the 662 barangays in Negros Occidental.
For SK chairpersons, a total of 1,485 filed COCs, while 8,140 will be running for SK kagawad.
Provincial Comelec supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria yesterday said that he is not expecting the crowding of candidates on the last day of filing, since bulk had already filed their COCs early this week.
Ananoria also reported that some COCs were denied because the candidates were either overaged or they were not registered voters.
He also warned against who are disqualified not to run for any position, or face charges for misrepresentation.
He also said added that the Comelec national office has ordered a survey on cases of premature campaigning.*
