00:00 The submission of the Certificate of Candidacy and Sangguni Ang Kabataan Elections has commenced
00:04 today, starting off with an enthusiastic crowd of early birds that formed a long queue.
00:09 However, the Commission on Elections has underscored the importance for all election hopefuls to
00:13 adhere to the agency's rules and protocols.
00:17 Melales Moras has the full report.
00:21 As the election period kick off for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguni Ang Kabataan Elections,
00:27 filers of Certificates of Candidacy were greeted with a long queue at the Moranto Sports Complex
00:32 in Quezon City.
00:34 Among the early birds were Wilfredo of Barangay San Vicente and Crisa from Barangay Sangandaan.
00:39 "We know that there are a lot of people here.
00:43 We were already here at 5.30am.
00:45 I was the first one to file.
00:48 I was the barangay captain of District 4."
00:50 "We really wanted to be the first to file because we are super excited for the upcoming
00:56 local elections."
00:57 Aspirants have to undergo six steps in order to accomplish a legitimate COC filing.
01:03 This includes screening, verification, releasing and coding, logbook procedure, and acquiring
01:09 the notice for the filing of Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.
01:13 Overall, it takes around 3 to 5 minutes to finish the process as long as you're done
01:18 with the long entry line.
01:20 Meanwhile, the only main requirement needed is the prescribed COC form, but it must be
01:25 filled out completely with documentary stamp, fully notarized, and with passport-sized photo.
01:32 At the Laging Handa Program, Comilex spokesperson John Rex Lojanco also had these reminders
01:36 about the qualifications for election hopefuls.
01:39 "You are the third member of the barangay and the first Filipino citizen to be elected
01:46 president of your barangay.
01:47 You must be 18 years old and you cannot pass the age requirement.
01:55 You must be at least 18 years old and you cannot pass the age requirement.
02:01 You cannot pass the age requirement even if you are one day older than 18 years old."
02:02 For Esquie Aspirants, the Comilex also reminded them about the anti-dynasty provision in
02:07 the Sangguniang Kabataan Law.
02:08 "It is part of our Esquie Reform, our prohibited relations.
02:11 Up to the 72nd civil degree of affinity or consanguinity.
02:17 So if we look at it, until grandfather, grandmother, grandson, son, wife, until wife, until brother-in-law,
02:24 until sister-in-law.
02:25 This is what is prohibited."
02:31 Meanwhile in other parts of the country, COC filings went on as scheduled, like in Marawi
02:36 City, Lamitan City, Basilan, Cotabato City, and Tawi-Tawi.
02:42 In Davao City, 1st District Representative Paulo Duterte also filed a COC in behalf of
02:47 his wife, incumbent Barangay Catalunan Grand Chairperson, Jenwari Duterte.
02:53 Melales Moras for The Nation.
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