The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said there will be no extension for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for those vying for district representatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said aspirants should file within the May 5 to 7 period.

“No extension. We have a very tight schedule already,” Garcia told reporters in a Viber message, underscoring that any adjustment would disrupt preparations for the BARMM Parliamentary Elections (BPE).

He added that even minor delays could affect key election-related activities leading up to the Sep. 14.

“The earlier [to file COC] the better. Avoid the rush,” Garcia said.

On the first day of filing on Tuesday, the Bangsamoro Electoral Office recorded 22 candidates who submitted their COCs.

Voters in the BPE will elect 32 district representatives to the BARMM Parliament. (PNA)