Know the COMELEC CONA Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance

The Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) is a primary document for individuals aiming to run for public office under the banner of a political party or coalition.

Issued by COMELEC, it serves as the official endorsement of a candidate, signifying the support and recognition of their political organization.

If you’re navigating the intricate landscape of election requirements, understanding the CONA is necessary.

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Credits: COMELEC / Facebook

What Is the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA)?

The CONA is a formal document issued by a political party or coalition to nominate a candidate for public office.

It also acts as a record of the candidate’s acceptance of this nomination.

This document is critical for candidates seeking to run under a party’s name, ensuring they are listed officially with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The good news? There is no filing fee to worry about, removing financial barriers for candidates.

Whether you’re a first-time candidate or a seasoned politician, the CONA streamlines the nomination process and reinforces your legitimacy as a contender.

 

Why the CONA Matters

Political parties rely on the CONA to officially endorse and validate their candidates for public office.

Without it, the candidate’s name might not appear on the ballot under the party’s banner, impacting both the candidate’s visibility and the party’s slate of nominees.

The CONA guarantees all nominations meet legal and procedural standards, ensuring fairness and compliance with election rules.

By finalizing nominations through the CONA, parties maintain transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Filing Requirements

To file a CONA successfully, adhere to these key requirements:

  1. Multiple Copies: Submit five legible copies of the CONA to the COMELEC’s Law Department during the specified filing period.
  2. Accompanying Documents:
    • A sworn Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination.
    • An Affidavit of Qualification of Nominees.
  3. Format Compliance:
    • Print the CONA on legal-size paper.
    • Ensure it is sworn before a notary public or an authorized official.

Every detail counts. Submissions that fail to meet these requirements risk rejection, so double-check all documents before filing.

Content of the Form

The CONA must include specific details to ensure its validity:

  • Full names and addresses of the nominees.
  • A certification confirming that nominees meet all legal qualifications and possess no disqualifications.

Each piece of information strengthens the legitimacy of the document and reflects your party’s adherence to COMELEC’s standards.

Remember, any errors or omissions might delay your application, so thoroughness is non-negotiable.

Certificate of Nomination (Annex B) Form

The Certificate of Nomination is a formal document used to officially nominate candidates for a party-list group, sectoral organization, or coalition participating in the May 12, 2025, National and Local Elections (NLE) and BARMM Parliamentary Elections (BPE). This ensures the nomination process adheres to electoral regulations.

Key Features:

  1. Nominee Details:
    • Includes the names and addresses of nominees in the specified order of priority.
    • Confirms nominees meet the legal qualifications and have no disqualifications.
    • Ensures nominees are not candidates for any other elective positions in the upcoming elections.
  2. Rules for Substitution:
    • Substitutions can only occur if a nominee dies, becomes incapacitated, or withdraws their nomination.
    • Any substitutions must be filed by October 8, 2024, and substitutes will be placed last in the list of nominees.
  3. Filing and Certification:
    • The form must be sworn before a notary public or authorized official.
    • It must be submitted along with other required documents to the COMELEC Law Department.

This document is necessary for registering a political party’s nominees and serves as a binding commitment to the specified nominees unless legally altered under the outlined rules.

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Credits: COMELEC

Download Annex B – Certificate of Nomination

Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination (Annex C) Form

This form confirms that an individual accepts their nomination as a party-list representative for the elections. It establishes the nominee’s agreement to the terms of nomination and their eligibility to hold the position.

Key Features:

  1. Personal Details of the Nominee:
    • Full name, date and place of birth, residence, contact number, and voter registration details.
    • Declaration of civil status and renunciation of foreign citizenship, if applicable.
  2. Eligibility Confirmation:
    • States the nominee is a natural-born Filipino citizen, not a permanent resident or immigrant of another country, and is eligible for the nominated office.
    • Confirms the nominee is not running for any other elective office.
  3. Pledges and Responsibilities:
    • The nominee agrees to abide by COMELEC rules, including the code of conduct for social media.
    • They pledge not to use violence or unlawful means to achieve goals and to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Philippines.
  4. Consent for Data Processing:
    • Provides explicit consent for COMELEC to collect, process, and disclose personal data in compliance with the Data Privacy Act.

This document serves as a formal acknowledgment of the nominee’s willingness to participate in the elections and confirms their eligibility. It also enables COMELEC to process their personal data for election-related purposes.

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Credits: COMELEC

Download Annex C – Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination

How to Submit

Once your CONA and supporting documents are ready, submit them to the COMELEC.

The submission process includes:

  1. Filing with the COMELEC’s Law Department during the prescribed period.
  2. Compliance with data privacy regulations. The CONA will be posted on the official COMELEC website, ensuring transparency.

What makes this process more accessible is that there’s no cost to file.

By submitting on time and following all guidelines, you safeguard your candidacy and align with legal standards.

Rules on Substitution of Nominees

The CONA filing is usually final, but certain circumstances allow for substitutions:

  • Acceptable Reasons: Death, incapacity, or valid withdrawal of a nominee.
  • Procedure: The substitute nominee’s name will be placed at the end of the original list.

Substitutions must still comply with COMELEC deadlines and guidelines, so act promptly if such situations arise.

Video: Mga party-list na naghain ng certificate of nomination at certificate of acceptance of… | 24 Oras

On the seventh day of COC filing, numerous party-lists submitted their certificates of nomination and acceptance.

This marked a busy day in the election process, with many groups eager to participate in the upcoming elections.

The submissions reflected the diverse interests and advocacies represented by these party-lists.

Each group aimed to secure a spot in the legislative body, hoping to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront.

The day concluded with a sense of anticipation for the next steps in the electoral journey.

 

Video: Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance ni Quiboloy, ‘di aprubado ng inilagay niyang… | 24 Oras

Quiboloy’s Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance faced rejection from the party he submitted it to.

This development was highlighted in a news report on 24 Oras, aired on GMA Network.

The report suggested that there might be controversy surrounding Quiboloy’s nomination within the political party.

The rejection has raised questions and concerns about the internal dynamics of the party.

 

Final Thoughts

The Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance is more than just a piece of paper; it’s your ticket to a valid and recognized candidacy.

By understanding its requirements, preparing thoroughly, and adhering to COMELEC’s rules, you set the foundation for a successful electoral campaign.

Whether you’re new to the political arena or a seasoned contender, the CONA process can be navigated smoothly with the right knowledge and preparation.

Remember, every detail matters.

So take charge, file with confidence, and step into your role as a candidate with clarity and purpose.

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