Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced its intention to thoroughly examine a proposal from the Office of the Ombudsman regarding amendments to the rules governing the filing of the certificate of candidacy (COC) for individuals aspiring to public office.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec chairperson George Garcia expressed openness to the proposal, emphasizing that it does not constitute an additional qualification, which could facilitate its approval process. In a Viber message on Monday, Garcia conveyed the commission's willingness to explore such changes. He further clarified that implementing the proposal would not necessitate new legislation, stating, "just a resolution is enough" and acknowledging the possibility of critics challenging it in the Supreme Court.

The proposal, championed by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, seeks to amend the COC filing rules by mandating candidates to declare under oath that they have no conflict of interest. The proposed amendment stipulates that candidates found guilty of false declarations would face disqualification as a penalty.

Under the current Omnibus Election Code, candidates are required to file a COC within a specified timeframe prior to an electoral exercise, be it national or local. The COC includes essential candidate information such as full name, age, civil status, and residence.