Heavy rain did not stop a large number of candidates for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) from filing their certificates of candidacy before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City on Monday, August 28, election officials said.
The filing of COCs that started Monday will end on Saturday, September 2.
But the campaign period for the October 30 polls will be from October 19 to 28, yet.
Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria warned against premature campaigning, stressing that the Comelec will file charges against violators.
Ananoria said there was a large turnout of candidates during the first day of the filing of COCs at Comelec offices provincewide.
Bacolod election officer Kathrina Trinio-Caña said there was also a large turnout of Bacolodnon candidates at Robinsons Place in Barangay Mandalagan.
“The rain did not stop them from coming,” she said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said “to all the candidates of the upcoming Barangay and SK elections, please do not forget that the sole purpose of your candidacy is public service. You must dispense with any motivations that are not aligned with the resolve to make a difference in the lives of your constituents”.
“Integrity, hard work, and commitment to service must be the compass guiding your leadership and service to our fellow Negrenses,” Lacson said, as he wished them all the best.*