Comelec to accept COCs from all candidates for May 2022 polls

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will accept certificates of candidacy (COC) from all individuals seeking to join the May 2022 national and local polls, including those previously declared nuisance candidates.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez stated that each case will be evaluated individually, as circumstances may have changed since previous declarations.

All submitted COCs will undergo a screening process before the final list of candidates is released.

Potential nuisance candidates will have an opportunity to defend their candidacy and present their case in a hearing if necessary.

The Comelec anticipates around 500,000 new voters during the voter registration period from October 11 to 30.

As of September 18, over 5.4 million new registrants had been recorded, and the total number of registered voters for the May 2022 polls is nearing 62 million.