A number of veteran politicians, celebrities and other personalities showed up on the seventh day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and its satellite offices for the 2025 midterm elections.
Among the prominent aspirants who filed their candidacies were incumbent senator Ramon Revilla, Jr., former senators Manny Pacquiao, Bam Aquino and Gringo Honasan, former Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and former Sulu Rep. Lady Ann Sahidulla.
Musician-turned-politician Jimmy Bondoc is likewise making another bid for the Senate under the Duterte-led PDP-Laban political party.
Outgoing senator Cynthia Villar also filed her COC for Las Piñas representative this time around.
A total of 38 senatorial aspirants filed their COCs on Monday, a day before the deadline ends tomorrow, October 8, according to the Comelec.
Poll chairperson George Garcia said they are expecting an influx of aspirants to troop to the Tent City at the Manila Hotel to file their COCs on the last day of filing, which will end at 5:00 PM.
The number of party list groups joining the race is 91, but the Comelec expected more to file their certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) on October 8. At least 86 senatorial aspirants have already submitted their COCs to the Comelec as of October 7.
There are 18,289 political seats to be contested. As of October 6, there are 20,324 political aspirants who have already filed their COCs from senators, representatives down to local city and municipal councilors, the Comelec said.
Pacquiao, accompanied by wife Jinkee, will run under the Marcos administration ticket. He also called out families who supposedly made politics their “business,” but admitted that there was no law prohibiting dynasties after a reporter pointed out criticism against his son’s local bid in General Santos City.
Revilla said there is more to be done in the Senate that is why he is seeking another term.
On the other hand, Gonzales intends to “revisit” current laws on national security and look into the issues surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
Gonzales is running under the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas.
Aquino, who will be running under the Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), said he would be banking on volunteerism for his campaign for the next year’s polls.
Meanwhile, movie and television personalities who filed their COCs will not be allowed to appear on television, films, and social media once the Comelec implements the ban on premature campaigning for the May 2025 midterm polls.
“The Comelec will stand firm that those who will file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) this October will immediately be considered as candidates. Whatever are the prohibitions, it will be applicable to all,” Garcia added.
