14 COCs filed for Bangsamoro elections; Comelec expects more

The second day of certificate of candidacy (COC) filing for the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections was peaceful and orderly, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

As of Monday noon, 14 aspirants had filed their COCs with two from Tawi-Tawi, four from Basilan, five from Lanao del Sur, one from Maguindanao del Norte, and two from Maguindanao del Sur.

The filing period began on November 4, 2024, after a Supreme Court decision excluded Sulu from the Bangsamoro region, and will end on November 9, 2024.

Comelec chair George Garcia expects more hopefuls to file their COCs by the end of the week and emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth and peaceful filing process.

Unlike parliamentary districts, representatives for sectoral organizations will not be elected in 2025 but chosen through assemblies organized by the respective sectors, with guidelines expected from the Bangsamoro government.