COVER STORY

Vote Watch: Filing of certificates of candidacy begins for 2025 elections

enablePagination: false
maxItemsPerPage: 10
totalITemsFound:
maxPaginationLinks: 10
maxPossiblePages:
startIndex:
endIndex:

Metro Manila, Philippines—The filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections officially starts today, marking the beginning of a crucial period for aspirants aiming for positions in Congress, provincial, city, and municipal governments. The filing period will run until October 8.

In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), candidates vying for district representative seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament can file their COCs from November 4 to 9, with elections scheduled for May 12.

Candidates are prohibited from running for more than one position. Any aspirant seeking to withdraw from one race must file a sworn statement of cancellation by October 8. Failure to do so will invalidate their election, even if they win.

Day 1: Senate Aspirants

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee was the first to file his candidacy for senator under Aksyon Demokratiko. His platform focuses on providing affordable food, ensuring decent wages, and improving healthcare access.

David Chan, a consultant specializing in mechanical and electrical design, followed suit. He highlighted his 530-page sustainability proposal covering agriculture, energy, and education, which he hopes to present to President Bongbong Marcos.

Meanwhile, Alexander Encarnacion, an electrician and carpenter, is making his third attempt to run for senator. He previously filed his COCs for the 2019 senatorial race and the 2022 presidential elections but was declared a nuisance candidate both times.

Former teacher Janice Padilla says she quit teaching in May to prepare for her Senate run.

“Marami tayong aayusin na mga batas na nagpapahirap sa mga mamamayan. Maraming guro nahihirapan talaga sa learning materials kasi maliit ang sahod nila," said Padilla. 

Jose Montemayor, who ran for the 2022 presidential polls, is now seeking a Senate seat. “This only means continuing service for our countrymen,” he says.

He believes he has better chances now as one of the senatorial aspirants of Partido Pederal ng Maharlika

Vlogger Marc Gamboa wants to represent content creators as he files his candidacy for senator.

Among his ideas — create a 24/7 “fake news monitoring office” to combat disinformation and unite those divided by political color

Day 1: Party-List Filings

The KABAYAN party-list, led by incumbent Rep. Ron Salo, was the first to submit its COC. Salo stated that he will serve as the party’s campaign manager for the upcoming elections. When asked about former Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque, Salo commented: "Naging kasamahan namin siya... Panawagan namin pakinggan niya ang pagtawag sa kanya."

Astra Pimentel-Naik, executive director of former ruling party PDP, files candidacy as first nominee of Ang Bumbero Party-list, a group composed of firefighters, volunteers, and other emergency responders |

Three former congressmen, Neri Colmenares, Carlos Zarate, and Ferdie Gaite are seeking a comeback as nominees of the Bayan Muna Party-list.

The group maintains there was “electronic fraud” in the 2022 polls where it failed to get a House seat for the 1st time

Day 1: Local Elections

Reelectionist Daniel Fernando and Alex Castro officially filed their COCs for Bulacan Governor and Vice Governor, respectively.

Graduating Senator Nancy Binay files her Certificate of Candidacy for Makati City mayor. Actor turned politician Monsour del Rosario will be her running mate as vice mayor.

Reelectionist Joy Belmonte files her Certificate of Candidacy as she seeks her last term as Quezon City Mayor. She will be running alongside incumbent Vice Mayor Gian Sotto.

Quezon City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas is aiming to be reelected. Accompanied by Mayor Joy Belmonte, he lodged his certificate of candidacy at the COMELEC NCR Office. 

House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez files his certificate of candidacy before the Comelec in Tacloban City for reelection.

Valenzuela Councilor Gerald Galang is seeking to be the representative of the city’s 2nd district. He filed his certificate of candidacy at the Comelec NCR Office.

This is a developing story.

NewsWatch Plus correspondents Eimor Santos, Daniza Fernandez, Lance Mejico contributed to this report.