The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Region is urging aspirants in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this November to begin preparing their documents early to prevent legal issues that could lead to court disputes.
Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec-Negros Island Region (NIR) regional election director, reminded those who plan to seek post in the BSKE to ensure that their requirements are in order.
“We advise these aspirants to visit any Comelec office before the filing of their COCs to have them reviewed by our personnel,” Castillano told the Philippine News Agency Feb. 19.
This would give them enough time to comply with the requirements for the COC filing and avoid legal problems, he added.
The reminder came after a former SK candidate in a previous election was arrested Feb. 6, 2026, after being charged with alleged misinformation contained in documents supporting his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) several years ago.
The local police, through a court-issued warrant, arrested the man in Bacong, where he had run for an elective position.
A regional trial court in Dumaguete City is now hearing the case, with a Comelec lawyer taking part in the prosecution.
The Comelec has set the BSKE on Nov. 2 this year.
Registration of voters is ongoing, while the filing of COCs is from Sept. 8 to Oct. 5. ||
