ALL SET. Comelec Albay is ready to accept certificates of candidacy (COCs) from aspiring candidates for the 2025 elections, running from Oct. 1 to 8, 2024. The Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) will deploy 2,600 personnel to maintain security and order. (Photo courtesy of Garry Carillo)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Albay is fully prepared to begin accepting the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections, which will run from Oct. 1 to 8.
Albay election supervisor Ma. Aurea Bo-Bunao said all 15 municipal and three city Comelec offices in the province are ready, with documents, personnel, and venues finalized ahead of the filing period.
"For all aspiring candidates, please strictly follow the guidelines set by our office. We will be enforcing the requirements for document submission. Supporters are advised to stay in designated areas and not inside the filing offices to ensure an orderly process," Bo-Bunao, a lawyer, said.
She said COCs must be in the prescribed Comelec format, notarized, signed, and accompanied by PHP30 worth of documentary stamps, with five legal-size copies submitted.
"If any section does not apply to you, mark it 'NA' (not applicable). The form must be properly filled out," she added.
Bo-Bunao also visited Comelec offices on Monday, which was the last day of voter registration.
Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO-5) will deploy 2,600 personnel to ensure security and maintain order during the eight-day filing period.
"Personnel will be stationed at police assistance desks and Comelec offices throughout the region for crowd control and support to both candidates and the public," PRO-5 regional director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said in an interview.
Dizon added that PRO-5 is working closely with Comelec in preparation for the 2025 national and local elections.
He also instructed officers with relatives running for office to be reassigned following the COC filing. (PNA)
