ASPIRING local leaders in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City need to prepare additional paperwork ahead of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Misamis Oriental is advising prospective candidates to gather their submission materials early for the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing window, scheduled from September 28 to October 5, 2026, ahead of the November 2, 2026 polls.
What’s New for Candidates?
According to Misamis Oriental Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Carlito R. Ravelo, aspirants must prepare two updated key documents alongside their standard filing materials:
- Certified True Copy of Birth Certificate
- Sworn Declaration of Conflict of Interest
The inclusion of the Declaration of Conflict of Interest was officially mandated following a Comelec en banc approval of a recommendation from its Law Department on July 24.
Formally issued via a commission memorandum on August 4, the declaration requires candidates to publicly disclose any business, financial, or personal interests that could influence their impartiality if elected.
The initiative aims to promote greater transparency and accountability in public office before officials step into their roles.
Election Preparations Move Full Speed Ahead
Despite pending legislative proposals in Congress seeking to postpone the BSKE to 2028, local election authorities emphasize that operational timelines remain unchanged.
"As long as there is no law postponing the election, we will continue with our preparations," Ravelo stated, confirming that election machinery across the province is moving forward uninterrupted.
While the requirement is set, Ravelo noted that provincial offices are awaiting detailed implementing guidelines from the Comelec national office regarding the specific execution of these documentary additions. Further instructions are expected to be released to the public before filing begins on September 28.
What’s at Stake in Misamis Oriental?
The upcoming elections represent a major political undertaking for the region. Across Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro City, voters will fill seats across 504 total barangays (424 in Misamis Oriental and 80 in Cagayan de Oro).
With each barangay electing nine key positions—one Barangay Chairperson, seven Barangay Councilors, one SK Chairperson, and seven SK Councilors—a total of 8,064 elective seats are open across the province and capital city.
Aspirants are encouraged to secure their certified documents early to avoid last-minute delays during the October filing deadline.
