Negros island: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here 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 election in the BSKE to ensure that their requirements are in order.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castillano advised aspirants to visit any Comelec office before the filing of their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) to have them reviewed by Comelec personnel. This would provide enough time to comply with the requirements for COC filing and avoid potential legal problems.

The reminder follows the arrest of a former Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidate who was charged with alleged misinformation in documents supporting his COC. He was arrested in Bacong on February 6, 2026, through a court-issued warrant, and his case is currently being heard by a regional trial court, with a Comelec lawyer participating in the prosecution.

The Comelec has scheduled the BSKE for November 2 this year. Voter registration is ongoing, and the period for filing COCs is from September 8 to October 5.