Today marks the fourth day for aspiring candidates in the 2025 national and local elections (#Halalan2025) to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and for party-lists to submit their Certificates of Nomination and Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination (CONA).
For Senate candidates and party-lists, papers must be filed at the Comelec office in Manila Hotel, while local bets must head to their respective local Comelec offices to file.
The period for COC filing is between 1-8 October, 2024.
Stay tuned for live updates.
5:39 PM - Labor leader Luke Espiritu gives the Senate another try as he files his certificate of candidacy alongside fellow labor leader Leody de Guzman, who is also running for senator.
If elected, Espiritu says he will fight against political dynasties and traditional politics.
Meanwhile, de Guzman, making his second attempt at a Senate seat, says he is running because "nothing has changed."
"Itong mga trapo, itong mga elite ay wala namang ginagawa sa problema ng bayan. Walang ginagawa sa mga kahilingan ng mamamayan. Ang pinag-uukulan ng panahon nila ang kanilang problema--pagkakaman ng yaman." | Via Gabriela Baron
4:50 PM - Reelectionist Congressman Marvin Rillo is accompanied by incumbent Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and a councilor from Quezon City as he files his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) at the Comelec-NCR office in San Juan City on Friday, 4 October 2024. | via Analy Labor
4:30 PM - Ernesto Balite, a retired teacher, has revealed his intention to run for Senate to "fight corruption and bring the common good."
"Ito pong nalalabing taon ng aking buhay, nilalaan ko na po sa ating mga kababayan," he says.
What prompted him to run? He is tired of seeing the same old faces. "Sila na naman? Tayo naman." | Via Gabriela Baron
4:13 PM - Reelectionist congressman Franz Pumaren, a former PBA player, accompanied by incumbent Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, files his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) at the Comelec-NCR office in San Juan City on Friday. | via Analy Labor
3:59 PM - Bonifacio Bosita, a motorcycle activist and retired police officer, announced his Senate bid on Thursday, 4 October. He is currently serving as a representative for the 1-Rider Party-list.
He advocates for road safety for riders and motorists.
Meanwhile, the 1-Rider Party-list also filed for re-election, led by first nominee Rodge Gutierrez. | via Gabriela Baron
3:14 PM - Camille Villar files her Senate candidacy under the Nacionalista Party. She was accompanied by her father Manny Villar, and brother, Senator Mark Villar. | via John Louie Abrina
2:56 PM - Makati Mayor Abby Binay filed her Certificate of Candidacy for Senator at the Manila Tent City on 4 October 2024. | via John Louie Abrina
2:49 PM - Makabayan Coalition senatorial hopeful Danilo Ramos, a farmer, chided Senator Cynthia Villar for her alleged land-grabbing that has affected the lives of farmers.
"Nagtataka po kami... Si Senator Cynthia Villar, tatlong chairmanship ng Committee ang hawak--sa Committee on Agricultural Food, Agrarian Reform, and Environment. Paano kami na dumaranas ng hirap at wala nang masaka dahil sa nangyayaring massive land conversion?"
Camille Villar said she respected Ramos' opinion.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but I also know that my mother, Cynthia Villar is very passionate about the agriculture sector and her real aim and motivation is to truly help our farmers have their own land and to improve their lives, and to the best of her ability, she has done that. But yun nga syempre, nirerespeto naman natin ang opinyon ng lahat," she said. | Via Gabriela Baron
1:22 PM - Senatorial aspirant Froilan Serafico, former president of the Manila Polo Club, files his certificate of candidacy for senator.
What forced Serafico to run is because he said he can no longer stand what's happening in the country as his fellow Filipinos keep on voting "incapable politicians."
"I'm so disgruntled by what's happening in our country. Some are corrupt, some are business owners who think nothing but themselves. If you cannot vote for me, do not vote for these."
He mentioned late senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Rene Saguisag as model politicians. | Via Gabriela Baron
11:23 AM - Local political party One Muntinlupa officially filed its Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 elections on 4 October. The slate is led by incumbent Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Vice Mayoral candidate Allen Ampaya, and Congressman Jimmy Fresnedi.
Mayor Biazon, running for re-election, reaffirmed the party's commitment to its flagship 7K Agenda: Kabuhayan, Kalusugan, Karunungan, Kalikasan, Katarungan, Kapayapaan-Kaayusan, and Kaunlaran. These priorities shape the party’s vision for a prosperous Muntinlupa.
Vice Mayoral candidate Allen Ampaya, Chairperson of Barangay Poblacion, aims to strengthen local governance, while Congressman Fresnedi, seeking re-election, focuses on legislative reforms for community welfare.
The One Muntinlupa slate also includes experienced councilors and new candidates from diverse sectors, aiming to represent all Muntinlupeños.
11:13 AM - Makati Mayor Abby Binay has filed her COC for Senator this morning, 4 October, at Manila Hotel.
After Binay and Pia Cayetano were both named part of the admin's endorsed senatorial slate, she was asked how she would work with Cayetano, who she earlier had a rift with following the territorial dispute between the cities of Makati and Taguig involving Embo barangays.
"We will cross the bridge when we get there," she said. | Via Gabriela Baron
11:12 AM - Gabriela Women's Party formalizes its congressional bid during the fourth day of certificate of candidacy (COC) filing led by its first nominee, former Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago.
"Ipapatuloy natin ang pagpapasulong ng mga batas para sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan at LGBT," Elago says.
If elected, Elago says they will advocate for the strong implementation of the Anti-Rape Law and Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Law. | via Gabriela Baron
10:49 AM - House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar files her certificate of candidacy as a senatorial aspirant under the Nacionalist Party.
She is accompanied by her father, business tycoon and former Senate president Manny Villar and her brother, Sen. Mark Villar. | Via Gabriela Baron
9:29 AM - Makabayan Bloc senatorial hopefuls officially launch their 2025 polls bid on Friday, 4 October. They were the first filers of the fourth day of the certificate of candidacy filing at the Manila Hotel.
Their platforms include higher wages for teachers, pushing for women's rights, and seeking legal action against China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea. | Via Gabriela Baron
Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go filed their candidacy papers on Thursday to officially announce their reelection campaigns for the 2025 midterm elections.
If reelected, Dela Rosa vowed to continue advocating for public order and national defense.
“I will continue to fight against illegal drugs and criminality. For national defense and security, we must ensure that our defense posture is credible enough against foreign invaders,” he told reporters.