‘DO NOT LET EMOTIONS RULE,’: COMELEC Urges Bets to Stay Calm Amid San Joaquin Dispute

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson urged political candidates to remain calm and composed ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, following a heated altercation involving local officials and candidates in San Joaquin, Iloilo, on the morning of October 3.

The incident occurred on the third day of the certificate of candidacy (COC) filing.

“Do not let emotions rule,” Layson said in an interview, emphasizing the need for candidates and their supporters to maintain a clear head during the filing process and throughout the election period, despite any disagreements within or between political parties.

He reiterated the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) commitment to ensuring a peaceful and secure electoral process.

“Our priority at COMELEC is to guarantee a peaceful and secure election. If we have differences among us, we have to let the people decide who they will vote for,” he stated.

The incident in San Joaquin, involving several local officials and candidates, is still under investigation by local police.

Layson assured the public that COMELEC is closely monitoring the situation and will address any tensions swiftly to ensure the electoral process runs smoothly.

No new COCs for provincial posts were submitted on the third day of filing. However, at the municipal level, including in Iloilo City, 28 candidates submitted their COCs on October 2, following 39 filings on the first day.

Layson noted that the COMELEC office remains fully operational and ready to receive COCs until the deadline on October 8. The filing period runs from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.