BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections-Bacolod Satellite Office from October 1 to 8 was peaceful although there were minimal defects in the COCs filed by some of the candidates, Bacolod Election Officer Kathrina Caña said yesterday.
Caña said they are thankful that the candidates followed the health protocols they were asked to observe.
As of yesterday, there were five candidates who filed their COCs for the position of congressman of Bacolod, two for the position of mayor, three for vice mayor and 39 for councilors or a total of 49 candidates.
Caña said there was also one candidate for councilor who attempted to file his COC yesterday but the picture he presented was not the prescribed size.
Today, they will be checking the list of aspirants and that the candidates can send over their representatives to check if their encoding is correct. They will then submit the COCs to the Provincial Comelec Office, she said.
The last day to correct the names of the candidates before this will be printed on the official ballots will be on November 8, Caña said.
It is the Law Department of Comelec Manila that will send the official list of candidates with their number that will appear in the ballots, she added.
Meanwhile, Caña said they will conduct the continuing registration of voters at SM City-Bacolod from October 11 to 13; at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central on October 14, 18 and 19; and at Robinson’s Place-Bacolod from October 20, 21 and 22.
They are also trying to ask the University of St. La Salle if they can hold the registration in their gym. The registration will start at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., she added.*
