MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said candidates seeking elective posts will be required to submit a Sworn Declaration on Conflict of Interest as part of their Certificate of Candidacy (COC), beginning with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in November.

In a Minute Resolution, the Comelec en banc approved the recommendation of its Law Department to include the declaration in the COC.

“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,” the resolution stated.

Under the declaration, candidates will undertake that, if elected, they will comply with the conflict of interest provisions of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) and Republic Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).

The declaration states that candidates must not have any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction that could conflict with or be affected by the faithful performance of their official duties, or in which they are prohibited by the Constitution or law from having an interest.

The Law Department said the requirement is authorized under Section 52(g) of the Omnibus Election Code, which empowers the Comelec to prescribe election forms.

It also clarified that the declaration does not impose an additional qualification for public office but merely affirms a candidate’s commitment to comply with existing laws on conflicts of interest.

According to the department, the requirement is intended to promote transparency and place candidates on record regarding financial interests that could affect the impartial performance of their official duties.