Filing of candidacy for 2019 elections

November 8, 2018 | 5:44pm

+ Follow Story

November 8, 2018

Lawyer Glenn Chong, former congressman for Biliran, has filed a disqualification case against Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, president of the administration PDP-Laban party.

According to a press release from Reform Philippines Coalition, Chong believes Pimentel should be disqualified from seeking reelection since he is on his second consecutive term as senator.

"This is not an attack on his person. I am saddened that Senator Pimentel, being a lawyer and legislator is unmindful of the term limits set by the constitution. His filing of his Certificate of Candidacy while in clear violation of this provision is unconstitutional, illegal and highly immoral," Chong, RPC spokesman, says.

This is the second attempt to disqualify Pimentel from running. Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed a similar complaint against the former Senate president in October.

Pimentel, a lawyer, contends that he did not get to serve a full term from 2007 to 2013 since he was locked in a poll protest against Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. He was only proclaimed the winning senator in 2011, after Zubiri resigned from the Senate.

"The Constitution, the law and jurisprudence are on my side. Well regarded legal minds known for their expertise in election law have likewise chimed in; they agree with my position: I can run for reelection," he said in October.

In a related development, Zubiri told reporters at a news conference at the Senate that "(Pimentel) was not able to serve the full term, not even a major portion of the term."

Zubiri says of his former rival: "I think he should be able to seek reelection."

October 18, 2018

Vice President Leni Robredo says the 2019 polls will be tough for the opposition. "The President is still very popular, and the candidates that he will endorse would have... you know... would benefit from the president’s popularity. But we are hopeful that we will be able to... to win a number of seats—in the Senate, at least. We have— I’m not sure if you are familiar at all with the political landscape in the Philippines, but in the Philippines, political parties do not matter much. You belong to a political party, but then everyone switches political parties every election season," she says in the CSIS-Pertamina Banyan Tree Leadership Forum & US-Philippines Strategic Initiative in Washington, D.C., United States. She says the opposition decided not to put up a full slate for the Senate as a strategy. "Instead of 12, we’re putting up only eight. And it’s a strategy. It’s a strategy that we’re doing. We decided to put up names of really, very good people, so that we could differentiate from the names put up by the administration."

October 17, 2018

The filing of COCs for next year's polls has ended at 5 p.m. today.

October 17, 2018

The candidate filing for the May 2019 elections continues today. As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, three senatorial candidates have submitted their certicate of candidacy. These are: * Bong Revilla (represented by wife Lani Mercado) * Francis Tolentino * Jiggy Manicad The Comelec has earlier advised that there will be no extension of filing hours.

October 16, 2018

In an update into the apparently relaxed rules on the number of companions allowed when former presidential aide Bong Go filed his certificate of candidacy, Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez says not everyone in the crowd came with him. "There were reports of some of them having been part of the entourages of the other filers," Jimenez says, adding they had been "they had been milling around the lobby without leaving" when news came that President Rodrigo Duterte was going to the Comelec to show support for his aide. He says the others "sort of joined the rush to go up, so by the time they got here, there was a lot of them and it was hard to tell them apart."

October 16, 2018

Lawyer Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, son of the late Sen. Jose “Pepe” Diokno, who was jailed during Martial Law, has made official his Senate bid at the same time as late dictator Ferdinand Marcos' daughter, Imee.

When asked about the matter, Imee answered that she was unable to recognize Diokno.

"Sorry mahina mata ko, sorry," she said.

Asked to comment on lawyer Chel Diokno also filing his senatorial candidacy. Marcos said she doesn’t know Diokno. Diokno is the son of Sen. Jose “Pepe” Diokno who was detained during the martial law period.

“Hindi ko kilala...Hindi ko namukhaan, pasenya.” @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/tCGSoCovgY
— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 16, 2018

Diokno, meanwhile, said he would like to follow his father's footsteps in explaining his Senate bid. The De La Salle University College of Law founding dean was accompanied by former Supreme Court spokesperson Ted Te.

.@ManangImee’s opening statement to the media after filing her COC. She vows to end poverty. @PhilstarNews #Elections2019 pic.twitter.com/QMYNptfz2a
— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 16, 2018

October 16, 2018

Former Sen. Pia Cayetano, who has campaigned for women's rights and an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, refuses to comment when asked about the chief executive's kissing of a Filipina overseas worker.

"[He] can defend himself. I am not his spokesperson," she says. When pushed about the matter, the senatorial aspirant says she would like to take a different question.

Earlier: @piacayetano known for being feminist refuses to comment on Duterte’s move to kiss an OFW. “I am not his spokesperson.” @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/8Yzlfvh9Xo
— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 16, 2018

Duterte's kissing of the OFW was among his many actions and remarks deemed as anti-women that drew him flak. Cayetano has been slammed by feminist groups for enabling the president's misogyny. She had argued, however, that she discusses women's issues with Duterte.

October 16, 2018

The daughter of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, has arrived at Comelec to file her COC for the Senate race.

October 15, 2018

Controversy again hounds Mocha Uson, this time due to the links of AA Kasosyo party-list, whose first nominee is her, to the P10 billion pork barrel scam.

News reports in 2013 cited Department of Budget and Management data which showed that AA Kasosyo party-list Rep. Nasser Pangandaman channeled in 2011 at least P15 million of his Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus non-government organization Kaupdanan para sa Mangunguma Foundation Inc., or KMFI, associated with alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

October 15, 2018

Pro-Duterte blogger and former Palace official Mocha Uson arrives at the Comelec to file her candidacy as representative of AA-Kasosyo party-list and not as senator as initially speculated.

October 15, 2018

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque drops his Senate bid but opts to run for Congress instead. He will be the first nominee of Luntian Pilipinas Party-list with Ciara Sotto, daughter of Senate President Tito Sotto, as second nominee.

Roque: I will file tomorrow a certificate of nomination for Luntian party list. I will be the first nominee @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews
— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) October 15, 2018

Roque: I took his (President Duterte) advice. The best option right now is to go back to Congress. Masikip talaga ang Senado @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews
— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) October 15, 2018

Roque: It's time to be my own person again @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews
— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) October 15, 2018

October 15, 2018

Sen. Grace Poe, who in 2013 topped the senatorial race with 20,337,327 votes, has arrived at the Comelec to file her COC for re-election.

.@SenGracePOE filed COC for senator as an independent candidate. Poe disclosed that she was adopted by the NPC @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/s3qWnmnWo9
— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 15, 2018

October 15, 2018

Maguindanao Rep. Zajid “Dong” Mangudadatu is second to file COC for senator today. He was accompanied by his brother Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu during the filing. ?

Mangudadatu, who is running under ruling PDP-Laban party, says President Rodrigo Duterte asked him to run to have a Muslim representation in the Senate.

He vowed to break barriers between Christians and Muslims if he wins a Senate seat.

Mangudadatu says Duterte asked him to run to have a Muslim representation in Senate @PhilstarNews
— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 15, 2018

Mangudadatu signs the Comelec’s integrity pledge @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/7K61zTk21C
— Rosette Adel (@rosette_adel) October 15, 2018

October 15, 2018

Supporters wave red and white flags as the Magdalo party-list and its Rep. Gary Alejano, who will be gunning for a Senate seat, are set to file their COCs at the Comelec.

A statement from the party-list added that embattled Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV will also be in attendance.

October 15, 2018

Sen. Cynthia Villar has arrived at the Comelec to file her certificate of candidacy for a second term at the Senate. Villar is accompanied by her husband, Manny Villar, a former Senate president and a business tycoon primarily engaged in property development.

The senator has topped a September Social Weather Stations survey on senatorial candidates.

October 12, 2018

Day 2 of the filing of certificates of candidacy has ended. The Commission on Elections says only 10 senatorial candidates and 12 party-list groups have submitted their COCs on Friday.

So far, the following have filed their COCs to seek Senate seats.

1. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (PDP-Laban)

2. Ferdinand “Freddie” Aguilar (PDP-Laban)

3. Victoriano Inte

4. Willie Ong (Lakas CMD)

5. Daniel Magtira

6. Dionisio Manalo

7. Christian Abarrientos

8. Salam E.D.E. Lacan Luisong Tagean

9. Neri Colmenares (Makabayan)

10. Melchor Chavez

11. Ibrahim Albani

12. Abner Afuang

13. Robel dela Cruz

14. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis (Liberal Party)

15. Carmelo Carreon

16. Marvin Navarro

17. Anson “Agi” Tuana 1

8. Ramon Raco Diaz

19. Eleazar Salon

20. Danilo Roleda (United Nationalist Alliance)

21. Rey Dapat

22. Gerald Arcega

23. Rolando Merano

24. Eric Negapatan

25. Vicente Raymund Avena

26. Nur-Ana Sahidulla

27. Antonio Valdes

28. Rowell Balangue

29. Nancy Binay (United Nationalist Alliance)

30. Valeriano Nocon III

31. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa (PDP-Laban)

32. Joel Lamoste

33. Ricky Bacolod

34. Cesar Roca

35. Nid Anima

36. Lorenzo "Larry" Gadon

37. Emelia Amantiad

October 12, 2018

As of 12 noon, four senatorial hopefuls have submitted their certificates of candidacy.

Four candidates have filed their COCs as of Friday 11:47 a.m.

28. Rowell Balangue
29. Nancy Binay
30. Valeriano Nocon III
31. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa@PhilstarNews #Elections2019
— Gaea Cabico (@gaeacabico) October 12, 2018

Here's a recap of candidates vying for senator since Day 1:

1. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (PDP-Laban)

2. Ferdinand “Freddie” Aguilar (PDP-Laban)

3. Victoriano Inte

4. Willie Ong (Lakas CMD)

5. Daniel Magtira

6. Dionisio Manalo

7. Christian Abarrientos

8. Salam E.D.E. Lacan Luisong Tagean

9. Neri Colmenares (Makabayan)

10. Melchor Chavez

11. Ibrahim Albani

12. Abner Afuang

13. Robel dela Cruz

14. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis (Liberal Party)

15. Carmelo Carreon

16. Marvin Navarro

17. Anson “Agi” Tuana 1

8. Ramon Raco Diaz

19. Eleazar Salon

20. Danilo Roleda (United Nationalist Alliance)

21. Rey Dapat

22. Gerald Arcega

23. Rolando Merano

24. Eric Negapatan

25. Vicente Raymund Avena

26. Nur-Ana Sahidulla

27. Antonio Valdes

28. Rowell Balangue

29. Nancy Binay (United Nationalist Alliance)

30. Valeriano Nocon III

31. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa (PDP-Laban)

October 12, 2018

On the second day of filing for candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections, more politicians and political aspirants flock to the Comelec main office.

Among the prominent figures who have submitted their certificates of candidacy include re-electionist Nancy Binay and Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, both aiming for Senate seat.

Re-electionist Nancy Binay files her certificate of candidacy. She is accompanied by her brother, former Makati City mayor Junjun. #Elections2019 @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/RWgDB7knej
— Gaea Cabico (@gaeacabico) October 12, 2018

Bato says his areas of focus will be law enforcement and peace and order. @PhilstarNews #Elections2019 pic.twitter.com/jGSlljjSvp
— Gaea Cabico (@gaeacabico) October 12, 2018

October 11, 2018

The Comelec says the first day of filing for candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections has been successful.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez says at least 27 senatorial aspirants and 18 party-lists have submitted their certificates of candidacy.

On the first day of COC filing, 27 senatorial hopefuls and 18 partylists have filed their candidacies. #Elections2019 @PhilstarNews
— Patricia Lourdes Viray (@patriciaviray) October 11, 2018

Here's a recap of senatorial hopefuls:

1. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (PDP-Laban)

2. Ferdinand “Freddie” Aguilar (PDP-Laban)

3. Victoriano Inte

4. Willie Ong (Lakas CMD)

5. Daniel Magtira

6. Dionisio Manalo

7. Christian Abarrientos

8. Salam E.D.E. Lacan Luisong Tagean

9. Neri Colmenares (Makabayan)

10. Melchor Chavez

11. Ibrahim Albani

12. Abner Afuang

13. Robel dela Cruz

14. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis (Liberal Party)

15. Carmelo Carreon

16. Marvin Navarro

17. Anson “Agi” Tuana 1

8. Ramon Raco Diaz

19. Eleazar Salon

20. Danilo Roleda (United Nationalist Alliance)

21. Rey Dapat

22. Gerald Arcega

23. Rolando Merano

24. Eric Negapatan

25. Vicente Raymund Avena

26. Nur-Ana Sahidulla

27. Antonio Valdes

October 11, 2018

More candidates show up at the Comelec main office to file their certificates of candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections.

Here's the list of candidates vying to become senators:

As of 2:45pm, here’s the running list of senatorial aspirants who filed their COCs:

1. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (PDP-Laban)
2. Ferdinand “Freddie” Aguilar (PDP-Laban)
3. Victoriano Inte
4. Willie Ong (Lakas CMD)
5. Daniel Magtira
6. Dionisio Manalo
— Patricia Lourdes Viray (@patriciaviray) October 11, 2018

7. Christian Abarrientos
8. Salam E.D.E. Lacan Luisong Tagean
9. Neri Colmenares (Makabayan)
10. Melchor Chavez
11. Ibrahim Albani
12. Abner Afuang
13. Robel dela Cruz#Elections2019 @PhilstarNews
— Patricia Lourdes Viray (@patriciaviray) October 11, 2018

14. Samira Gutoc-Tomawis (Liberal Party)
15. Carmelo Carreon
16. Marvin Navarro
17. Anson “Agi” Tuana
18: Ramon Raco Diaz
19. Eleazar Salon
20. Danilo Roleda (United Nationalist Alliance)#Elections2019 @PhilstarNews
— Patricia Lourdes Viray (@patriciaviray) October 11, 2018

The Commission on Elections has started to accept the certificates of candidacy filed by senatorial and party-list aspirants who will run in next year’s midterm elections.

Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, a re-electionist, was the first to file his COC at the Comelec main office.

Other senatorial bets who submitted their COCs, as of this writing, include: