SENATOR Francis Tolentino, a member of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Coalition, was the first member of the coalition to file his certificate of candidacy (COC), at the Manila Hotel.
Sen. Tolentino, who was then backed by Rodrigo Duterte’s Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) in 2019, will now run on the Marcos administration’s “Magic 12” senatorial slate in the 2025 national and local elections (NLE).
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
“It’s more of continuing what I’ve been doing right now. As well as helping the current administration achieve its aims,” shared Tolentino of his goals. “Especially in uplifting the lives of the soon to emerge 14 percent middle class.”
The reelectionist, seeking his second term in the Senate, was joined by Cavite Governor Junvic Remulla and Caloocan Cong. Oca Malapitan, with his relatives Cong. Abraham Tolentino and Coun. Michael Tolentino.
Change of heart
When asked by the media what prompted him to join a new slate, the senator stated that the decisive element was the belief that his identity and objectives for the country were linked with those of the current administration.
“I still hold President Duterte in the highest esteem. There’s no bad blood. What I did was not just a mere political decision, it is something aligned with my personal principles,” explained Tolentino.
“I align myself with the current administration, because I foresee that the current administration’s goal would really all go well for the Filipino people.”
“I am for a more dynamic economy, stable political condition, which would help the Filipino people achieve their aspirations,” the Senator went on to explain.
The early birds
Despite the presence of notable prospective candidates on the first day of filing, like Bayan Muna Party-list’s Neri Colmenares and Buhay Party-list’s Lito Atienza, nothing tops the early bird’s excitement.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee, an Aksyon Demokratiko member, was the first to file his certificate of candidacy as a running senator for the 2025 NLE.
“Ngayon pong araw tayo po ay nag-file ng COC para sa pagkandidato bilang senador. Ang atin pong layunin ay ‘yung sinimulan natin sa kongreso ay mas marami po tayong magagawa pagdating sa senado,” said Lee.
“Gusto po natin ipakita sa ating mga kababayan na tayo po ay talagang seryoso sa ating ginagawa at pinaglalaban natin. Talagang ipagpapatuloy po natin ito sa senado,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the aspiring senator declared that he will run for senator alongside Doc Willie Ong, who just announced that he will continue to pursue a seat in the Senate.
On the other hand, KABAYAN Partylist and Rep. Ron Salo have also filed their COC for the 2025 NLE. The aforementioned organization was the first party-list to submit COCs.
Content creators Marc Gamboa and Norris Okamoto, 1995 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Felipe Montealto Jr., and licensed teacher Janice Padilla are among the “nuisance” candidates vying for a Senate seat.
Local Election filing
Along with senatorial and party-list filings at the Manila Hotel, municipal election filings are also taking place in their respective districts.
Sen. Nancy Binay has already submitted her COC for Mayor of Makati City. Six aspiring candidates have already successfully filed their credentials in Makati, all from Binay’s party.
Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto submitted their COC at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City. Meanwhile, Mikey Belmonte will run for Councilor in Quezon City’s 2nd District.
The first day of COC filing was a highly hectic day for both hopeful candidates and the Commission of Elections. More candidates are anticipated to register their certificates of candidacy tomorrow.
