By Ferdinand G. Patinio
MANILA, Oct 13 (PNA) — A total of 28 individuals seeking national positions have filed their respective Certificates of Candidacy (CoC) on Tuesday, the second day of the five-day filing period in connection with the May 2016 polls.
There were no well-known politicians that filed their CoCs but there were 15 individuals who filed their CoCs seeking to run in the presidential post, totaling to 37 the persons running in the position since the filing started on Oct. 12.
In the Vice-Presidential seat, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., was the lone politician who filed his CoC on Tuesday, although there were three other aspirants who submitted their respective CoCs. Thus, making the total number of VP aspirants to 7 since Monday.
A total of 9 senatorial aspirants filed their CoCs Tuesday, with the number totaling to 25 from day one of the five-day filing period.
Among the senatorial aspirants who submitted their CoCs on Tuesday were Leyte 1st District Congressman Martin Romualdez; Samuel Pagbilao, ACT CIS Partylist Rep. and Philippine National Police official; Godofredo Arquiza former Senior Citizen Party-list.
“I am offering myself as a candidate of senate with a platform of peace and order, anti-crime, anti terrorism and all those who are threat to our peace, stability, tranquility of our nation,” Pagdilao said.
On the other hand, farmer Alfredo Tindugan also filed his COC for president and aspires to form a “divine government” as provided for by the 1935 Constitution instead of allowing the present one to continuously sell out the country to foreign nations.
Another presidential aspirant, Marita Arilla said she was looking to establish a government under “absolute monarchy” with “unlimited power from God”.
Missionary Romeo John Ygonia (aka Archangel Lucifer), meanwhile, said he wanted to run for president to follow his “Master”.
Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista was convinced that the number of aspirants in the presidential seat only showed that there were many people who wanted to serve in the government.
“I see it positively kung baga mas maraming gusto magsilbi, sabi ko nga karapatan naman ng isang mamayan mag aspire for higher office,” he said.
Bautista added, “Need ibalance sa karapatan ng ating demokraysa na magkaron ng maayos na halalan. (Under) Omnibus Election Code, our election should not be made in mockery or placed ill repute.” (PNA)