MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering the immediate rejection of certificates of candidacy (COCs) of overage or underage candidates for the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.
“We will look into their birthdays and check with our database if it is true and correct. If we find that they are not qualified, we will not accept their COCs. That means, if you overage even one day, we advise you not to file your COCs,” said Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco in a forum in Manila.
The poll official said the amendment was proposed after thousands of COC filers were rejected for not meeting the age requirements several years ago.
“In 2018, we filed more than 6,000 petitions to cancel COCs on the grounds that they were minors or overage as SK candidates,” Laudiangco said.
He noted that the possible action to be taken would also save SK candidates from potential legal problems.
“It is our way of helping them as many of those involved is member of the youth. They were caught by surprise. Hindi nila alam,” paliwanag pa ng Comelec spokesperson.
Under Republic Act No. 10742, SK candidates must be at least 18 years old but not more than 24 years old on the day of the election.
The poll body said it will continue preparations for the BSKE until the postponement of the polls is enacted.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives and the Senate in Malacañang passed the bill postponing the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Once signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., voting will be moved to the last Monday of October 2023. RNA
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