Candidates for barangay, SK polls file certificates of candidacy from October 1-13

Tacloban City (September 2) — Individuals who wish to become candidates in the forthcoming elections are given only 13 days to signify their intention to be so.

Those aspiring for village and youth council seats may file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) starting October 1, 2010 until October 13, 2010, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) informed.

Meanwhile, Comelec Resolution No. 9019 sets the campaign period for the Barangay and SK polls for only ten days starting on October 14, 2010 and will run until October 23, 2010.

During the Campaign Period, Comelec calls for the holding of barangay assemblies and candidates for a. During this period, posting, displaying, distributing and using illegal campaign materials, is prohibited.

Removing, destroying, obliterating, defacing, tampering or preventing distribution of lawful election propaganda is also banned per Section 83 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Also among the prohibitions is giving of any donation or gift in cash or in kind, among others, per Section 104 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Furthermore, outlawed is the use of armored/land/water/air craft per Section 261 (r) of the Omnibus Election Code.

Appointing or using special policemen, special/confidential agents or the like is also banned per Section 261 (m) of the Omnibus Election Code.

Finally, the construction or maintenance of provincial, city, municipal or barangay-funded, roads and bridges is forbidden per Section 3 of R.A. 6679).

The casting of votes on October 25, 2010, Election Day, will be from 7:00 o’clock in the morning to 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon, according to the COMELEC.

Counting and canvassing of votes and the proclamation of winning candidates will start immediately after the casting of votes, the COMELEC added. (PIA