The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday reminded the potential individuals who will be filing their certificate of candidacy (COC) for the Baranagay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) about the age requirements and the possible punishment for early campaigning.
In an interview during DZRH’s Maynila Ito ang Pilipinas with Leth Narciso, Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said the age requirements for those who are running for BSKE is at 18 to 24 years old.
He advised the SK official aspirants about the date of birth of those who are allowed to run for the position.
"Paalala sa SK, ang makakatakbo lamang ay yung pinanganak sa Oct. 30, 1999 hanggang Oct. 30, 2005," Laudiangco said.
"Kung kayo ay pinanganak bago ang Oct. 30, 1999, kayo ay over age na at hindi na makakatakbo. Kung pinanganak naman pagkatapos ng Oct. 30, 2005, under age naman kayo. So, hindi registered vote, over age, under age, makikita namin ‘yan sa listahan ng mga botante. Kapag nakita namin ‘yan, hindi namin tatanggapin ang inyong COC," Comelec spokesperson added.
Republic Act No. 10742 states that SK candidates must be at least 18 years old and not more than 24 years old on the day of the elections.
Meanwhile, Laudiangco advised that early campaigning is still strictly prohibited.
"Yung sinasadyang nangangampanya na, ipagbigay-alam sa amin nang masampahan sila ng kaso," he strongly stated.
"Yung pakikipag-usap, normal lang yan. Pagpapahayag ng damdamin, freedom of speech, freedom of expression. Pero may borderline yan," the Comelec spokesman continued.
Once an individual files their COC, they are already considered a candidate, and therefore, the full force of the law will be applied.
"Kapag yan ay sinasadya, nagbabahay-bahay ka na, nangangampanya ka na kasi meron ka nang plano eh. Ina-announce mo na lahat at hindi pwede 'yan," Laudiangco pointed out.
According to Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code, candidates are not allowed to go around, campaign, or distribute things.
The filing of COC runs from August 28 to September 2, starting at 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
