13 aspirants seek NCR congressional seat

Metro Manila, Philippines — Thirteen aspiring representatives in Metro Manila formalized their bid before the Commission on Elections – National Capital Region Office in San Juan City on Tuesday, Oct. 1, the first day of filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Most of the filers are sitting officials, and some are new names.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Mitch Uy, Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde, and Quezon City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas are seeking another term.

Uy was accompanied by Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan, while Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte came with Atayde and Vargas.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Yamsuan, meanwhile, is gunning for another House seat as he filed his candidacy for representative of Paranaque 2nd District.

Meanwhile, three councilors are aiming to continue serving, but this time at the House of Representatives. Manila Councilors Joey Uy and Apple Nieto want to represent Manila’s 6th and 3rd districts, respectively. Councilor Gerald Galang is eyeing Valenzuela’s 2nd district.

Malabon Vice Mayor Ninong dela Cruz took his shot to be the city’s congressman.

Former Rep. Carlo Lopez hopes for a comeback as he will run for Manila’s 2nd district representative.

There are also fresh names who filed their COCs: Jay Enage for Marikina’s 2nd district; Allan Cerafica for Taguig-Pateros; and Joseph Lumbad for Manila’s 1st district.

Social media personality Boss Toyo was with Lumbad when he lodged his candidacy.

For next year’s polls, voters will elect 254 district representatives. Metro Manila has 33 legislative districts.

The COC filing is until Oct. 8.