BIG names continue to add to the list of those who filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE).
The Makabayan coalition was the first to submit this morning. The coalition proudly welcomed the fourth day of filing with their 11 for 11 members on Friday morning at The Manila Hotel Tent City.
Makabayan successfully submitted their COCs, with the goal of demonstrating their determination to run and be the voice of Filipinos in the Senate, as stated in their mantra “Taumbayan sa Senado.”
Makabayan represents different sectors of Philippine society, covering the farmers, fisher folks, public drivers, nurses, teachers, women, and other indigenous people around the country.
The 11-member coalition includes Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary-general Jerome Adonis, registered nurse Jocelyn Andamo, Pamalakaya vice chairperson Ronnel Arambulo, and Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas.
Former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, secretary-general of the urban poor group Kadamay Mimi Doringo, and the president of transport group PISTON Mody Floringo.
Along with them were Sandugo co-chairperson and indigenous Morong leader Almirah Lidasan, Former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chair Danilo Ramos.
Following the filing of the Makabayan coalition, known political personalities began to enter the venue. Two senate aspirants were from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.
Cong. Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Cynthia Villar and former Senate President Manny Villar, and sister of former Senator Mark Villar, was the first to submit her COC.
She was quickly questioned by the media about her reaction to the accusations made against her family as a result of her Senate candidacy, which netizens say is political dynasty and nepotism.
“This position, if papalarin, ay malaking responsibilidad. Para sa akin, naturuan naman po ako ng mga magulang ko at ang karanasan ko bilang isang public servant ay nakatulong po sa akin,” she explained.
“At ngayon, handang handa na po ako na makatulong sa mas marami, at handang handa na po akong makilala ang mas marami nating kababayan.”
Soon after Villar, Abigail “Abby” Binay was the next politician interviewed by the media. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has recently released his senatorial lineup, which included her.
“My nine-year experience as a member of the House of Representatives would definitely help, should I become a Senator. I will be looking at my role at the Senate as a legislator and a chief local executive,” she promised.
Meanwhile, her sister, Senator Nancy Binay has submitted her COC for mayor of Makati, while her husband Makati Rep. Luis Campos Jr. is also eyeing the same position. For Abby, they will let the people decide between the two to end the discussion.
When asked about her reaction on Nancy’s recent statement that Abby is “very qualified” to compete for a Senate seat, Binay responded reluctantly.
“Comment? Thank you! What comment do you want? I mean, you should ask her why am I qualified, diba? Parang ang hirap naman magbuhat ng sariling bangko,” Abby said.
Gabriela Women’s Party, a women’s advocacy party, was the only partylist to file a COC earlier this morning, and it was led by Sarah Elago, their first nominee.
“Ipagpapatuloy namin ang pagsusulong ng mga batas, para sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan at LGBT community. Tulad ng Divorce Bill at SOGIE Equality Bill,” Elago proudly said.
In Metro Manila’s local elections, incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto filed their COCs yesterday.
The incumbent Mayor and Vice Mayor of Caloocan City, Dale “Along” Malapitan and Karina Teh, have also filed theirs, with former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV planning to challenge this, having also filed for a mayoral position.
The COC filing for the 2025 NLE began on October 1 and will end next week, October 8. And the long list of people who have already filed their COCs will only continue to grow as we approach the end of filing.
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