Barangay, SK aspirants crowd COMELEC office in Manila

Aspiring candidates for the Sangguniang Kabataan and barangay elections have started crowding the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Ermita, Manila, as the deadline for the filing of candidacy on Friday drew near.

According to Mark Zambrano's report on Balitanghali, the COMELEC estimated that more than 30,000 candidates would file their candidacy from the six districts of Manila.

The candidates on Thursday lined up at the office's filing area. Some started to queue as early as 5 a.m.

The Manila Police District implemented strict security protocols inside and outside the office as aspiring candidates were screened and their documents processed.

The applicants need to present documentary stamps in their certificates of candidacy and other documentary requirements for examination, then they have to sign into a logbook and have their candidacy processed.

According to the report, anyone can file a candidacy but COMELEC has rules and guidelines to determine whether the aspirant is fit for the position he or she is vying for.

The COMELEC said the deadline for the filing of candidacy has not been extended.

It also clarified that the filing of candidacy is free of charge.

The filing started on April 15 and will end on April 20 at 5 p.m. —Jamil Santos/NB, GMA News