The Commission on Elections in Negros Oriental on Friday reported a low turnout on the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy by aspirants for the May 9, 2022 polls.
Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Eddie Aba, in an interview, said Antonio Remollo, who is running for councilor in this capital city, and Jed Goñi, who is also seeking a seat in the city council in Bais City, were the only ones who have filed their COCs as of this writing.
Not one for provincial-level positions and the House of Representatives has filed yet, he said.
Aba said it is not surprising that only a few would-be candidates appeared on the first day of the COC filing, which is from October 1-8, as this is the usual “style” of Filipinos.
He appealed to them not to wait for the last minute but to file their COCs early to give them enough time to complete the requirements in case some are found lacking.
The COC filing is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only and there will be no extension, he noted.
Aba assured of the strict implementation of health and safety protocols as well as security measures to ensure orderly filing of COCs at the different Comelec offices.
He said he inspected the different election offices in the towns and cities where aspirants for mayor, vice mayor, and councilors will be filing their COCs.
Candidates who will be filing their COCs are allowed only a maximum of two companions inside the Comelec office to avoid overcrowding as well as to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19, Aba said.*PNA
