By Nimfa Estrellado COMELEC LUCENA CITY, Quezon - For the October 1–8, 2025, midterm elections, the Quezon Provincial Commission on Elec...
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| COMELEC |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - For the October 1–8, 2025, midterm elections, the Quezon Provincial Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is ready to receive and process Certificates of Candidacy (COCs).
The province's 39 municipal and two city COMELEC offices are fully prepared, according to Atty. Ana Mei Barbacena, Quezon's acting provincial election supervisor. Prior to the filing deadline, all persons, documents, and locations have been finalized.
"We encourage all aspiring candidates to strictly follow the guidelines set by our office," Barbacena said. "We will be enforcing all requirements for document submission. To ensure an orderly process, supporters are advised to remain in designated areas outside the filing offices."
She emphasized that COCs must be in the prescribed COMELEC format, notarized, signed, and accompanied by PHP 30 worth of documentary stamps. Five legal-size copies must be submitted.
"If any section of the COC does not apply to you, please mark it 'N/A' (not applicable). The form must be properly filled out," she added.
Meanwhile, the Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO), under the leadership of PCOL Ledon Monte, has implemented a comprehensive security plan for the COC filing period. This includes coordination with other government agencies and the deployment of personnel to Strategic Security Control Points (SSCPs) throughout the province.
Increased beat patrols and force multipliers will be utilized to ensure order and safety at all filing locations. "This readiness shown by our police forces demonstrates their dedication to ensuring a safe and peaceful 2025 National and Local Elections," said Monte. "Our first step is to guarantee a smooth and orderly COC filing process for all candidates."
Monte added that QPPO is working closely with COMELEC in preparation for the 2025 national and local elections. He also instructed officers with relatives running for office to be reassigned following the COC filing.
Surprisingly, no candidates filed their COCs on the first day at the COMELEC Provincial Office in the Quezon Provincial Capitol, nor at any of the 16 municipal COMELEC offices. This is in stark contrast to the 2021 COC filing, where four individuals filed on the first day.
According to Atty. Barbacena, this is the first time that the COMELEC Provincial Office has recorded zero filers on the first day of COC filing. The Quezon PNP also reported no untoward incidents. They hope that peace and order will prevail throughout the entire election process.
The filing period for the 2025 midterm elections is a crucial step in the democratic process. Over 18,000 positions are at stake, and 67 million registered voters will have the opportunity to elect their leaders.
The elections cover national positions such as senators and party-list representatives and for local officials; governors, mayors, and councilors. Voters are encouraged to participate in the electoral process and choose their representatives wisely.
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