Congress moves for resetting filing of candidacies to Oct. 11-17

CONGRESS ON Monday adopted resolutions in its respective chambers calling on the Commission on Elections to reset the filing of certificates of candidacy for next year’s midterm elections.

The Senate adopted Concurrent Resolution No. 13 urging the Comelec to move the filing of certificates of candidacy from Oct. 1 to 5 to Oct. 11 to 17.

House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 20, filed by Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Majority Leader Rolando G. Andaya, Jr., also called for the same rescheduling.

Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said in the Senate resolution that the rescheduling will coincide with the adjournment of Congress on Oct. 12. He also said the postponement will allow lawmakers to have “undivided attention” on the proposed 2019 General Appropriations Bill and other priority measures.

House leaders also cited the pending legislative agenda, including the budget.

Senators Juan Edgardo M. Angara, Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV, Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay, Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, Aquilino Martin L. Pimentel III, Grace S. Poe-Llamanzares, and Cynthia A. Villar are seeking reelection in the 2019 midterm polls.

The Comelec through its Resolution No. 10420 has set the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy on Oct. 1 to 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. —