Grace, Villar, JV, Bong Go file CoCs

Three reelectionists – Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, and JV Ejercito – yesterday filed their Certificates of Candidacy for senator in the May 2019 elections at the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Sen. Villar was accompanied by husband former Senate President Manuel B. Villar Jr. and their children. (Related story on Page 3)

Poe was with mother actress Susan Roces. Ejercito, who was accompanied by wife and supporters, has one goal in mind: To win again in the polls.

Others who filed CoCs for senator were Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, actor and former Sen. Lito Lapid, Maguindanao Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu, Charlie Talledo, a man who claimed to be “Jesus Christ,” Special Assistant to the President Bong Go;

Self-employed Andrew Magistrado, who claimed to be the “most unique, most honest public servant not only in the Philippines but in the world”; animal rights advocate Norman Marquez, Alejo “Alex” Katigbak; and Pepito Salangsan, who was declared a nuisance candidate in the last election.

Architect Armelsen Palencia of Parañaque City filed a CoC for senator but was not accepted because he was only 33. Senatorial candidates must be at least 35-years-old.

Talledo, 40, claimed that he is “only one who can solve the problems in the country.”

Resigned Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson submitted her CoC as party-list representative representing Kasosyo partylist which advocates farmers’ welfare.

Uson said she is running to not just represent farmers but also migrant workers, being a former Overseas Filipino Worker herself.

Several groups held festive programs in support of their senatorial and party-list bets yesterday in front of the Comelec main office.

They cheered out loud and danced to the rythm of the drums while wearing shirts and holding banners and streamers with the names of their candidates.

Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV showed up to support Alejano. Sen. Risa Hontiveros accompanied Akbayan partylist in the filing with Rep. Tom Villarin as top party nominee.

Go announced his decision to run as senator next year yesterday afternoon amid a heavy downpour and angry thuderclaps.

He dropped by the San Miguel Church in Malacañang to pray before filing his CoC accompanied by President Duterte.

Go said that the desire to help marginalized Filipinos sealed his decision to run for senator. He also said that the President’s support for his candidacy is another reason to run next year.

Sixty three persons have so far filed CoCs for senator. Seventy party-list groups have submitted their certificates of nomination and acceptance.