Filing of candidacy for Barangay, SK elections starts

Filing of certificates of candidacy for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections start today, October 1. It will run until October 13, 2010, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec Resolution No. 9029, promulgated last September 21, said qualifications for the post of

SK Chairman and Kagawad are as follows:

Filipino citizens at least 15 but not more than 18 years old on election day;

able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect;

qualified members of the Katipunan ng Kabataan of the Barangay where they intend to run for office;

at least one year residency in said barangay where they intend to run for office;

and must not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.

Meanwhile, the qualifications for Punong Barangay and Sangguniang Barangay Kagawad are as follows:

Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old on the day of the elections;

able to read and write Filipino or any local dialect;

registered voters of the said barangay;

and at least one year of residency in the said barangay where they intend to run for office.

It should be noted that candidates for the Barangay and SK elections must file a “sworn certificate of candidacy.” This can be done in person or through a duly authorized representative during regular working hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Office of the Election Officer of the city/district or municipality concerned. However, on the last day of filing, the Office of the Election Officer will be receiving CoCs until 12 a.m.

Elections of one punong barangay, one SK chairman, seven Sangguniang barangay members, and seven SK members for every barangay will be held on October 25 to fill the 672,400 elective posts in 42,025 villages across the country.