Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Tuesday that candidates for public office in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in November will now be required to submit a Sworn Declaration on Conflict of Interest as part of their Certificate of Candidacy (COC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the Commission en banc has approved a recommendation from its Law Department to incorporate this declaration within the COC. The decision was made through a Minute Resolution, which stated: "The Commission, after due deliberation, resolved, as it hereby resolves, to approve the recommendation of the Law Department relative to the inclusion of a Sworn Declaration on Conflict of Interest in the Certificate of Candidacy."
The declaration mandates candidates to commit to compliance with the provisions on conflict of interest outlined in Republic Act No. 3019 and 6713. Specifically, the declaration prohibits candidates from having any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in business contracts or transactions that may conflict with their official duties or are prohibited by the Constitution or any law.
The Law Department emphasized that this inclusion is authorized under Section 52(g) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), which empowers the Commission to prescribe election forms. The Department clarified that the sworn declaration is not an additional qualification for public office but a commitment to adhere to existing laws.
"These are not new conditions imposed for purposes of candidacy. More importantly, the declaration will promote transparency and place each aspirant/candidate on record regarding financial interests that may affect the faithful performance of official duty," the Law Department noted.
