Comelec to include conflict of interest declaration in filing COCs

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will now include a declaration on of conflict of interest in the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) beginning on the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In a memorandum shared by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia to the media on Tuesday, the poll body said the Comelec en banc approved the recommendation of its law department for the inclusion of a Sworn Declaration on Conflict of Interest in the COC during its meeting last July 24.

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“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, as follows:

I undertake, once elected, to comply with the provisions on conflict of interest under Republic Act Nos. 3019 and 6713, particularly as to the prohibition on having direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction that may be opposed to or affected by the faithful performance of official duty, or in which I am prohibited by the Constitution or any law from having any interest,” the memorandum read.

The law department, last July 21, submitted a memorandum for its recommendation citing the proposal of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla for stricter rules in filing of COCs. Remulla earlier suggested to the poll body to amend the COC to include a sworn statement that an election candidate does not have any conflict of interest.

Garcia earlier said that the proposal is good and is not unconstitutional, noting that the matter was already consulted with the poll body’s law department. He also emphasized that a sworn statement is not an additional qualification for candidates.

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In its memorandum, the law department said that the inclusion of a sworn declaration is authorized under Section 52(g) of the Omnibus Election Code, which allows the poll body to prescribe election forms.

“[T]his Department respectfully submits that the inclusion of a sworn declaration on conflict of interest would not add a qualification to public office as it is only a statement of undertaking to obey existing laws,” the law department said.

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“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 department added. /jpv