Comelec denies appeals of 21 nuisance senatorial aspirants

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has denied the appeals made by 21 senatorial aspirants who were earlier declared nuisance bets for the May 2025 polls.

The poll body initially released 18 resolutions denying the motions for reconsideration (MR) of Francis Leo Marcos, Felipe Montealto Jr., Orlando de Guzman, Manuel Andrada, Sonny Pimentel, Elpidio Rosales Jr., Jaime Balmas, Pedro Ordiales, John Rafael Escobar, Roberto Sembrano, Romulo San Ramon, Fernando Diaz, Luther Meniano, Romeo Macaraeg, Subair Mustapha, Monique Kokkinaras, Berteni Causing and Alexander Encarnacion.

The Comelec yesterday released three additional resolutions denying the MRs of Oscar Ongjoco, Faith Ugsad and one unnamed nuisance bet.

“It (MR of unnamed bet) was filed late. It is not yet included in our records,” said Comelec Chairman George Garcia.

Garcia said 91 senatorial aspirants filed MRs after the Commission ruled that 117 aspirants lacked serious intent to run for public office in next year’s elections.

A total of 183 aspirants filed their certificates of candidacy for senator. Out of this number, the Comelec only approved 66.

The Comelec said that for aspirants for local posts, the process to resolve their MRs is ongoing.

“Expect the list to be finalized on Dec. 13. We will have it (MR) resolved at the en banc level,” said Garcia.

Fewer overseas voters

Comelec said it is disappointed over the low number of registered overseas voters for the May 2025 midterm elections.

Garcia said there were only 1,254,240 overseas Filipinos who have registered to participate in next year’s elections.

“I think the 1.2 million is very low for overseas voters,” he said.

He added that Filipinos abroad actively participate in the elections when it concerns voting for the president and vice president, which will take place in 2028.

“Even if we only have 1.2 million voters, if we see a high turnout, we’re OK with that since we will still be able to accomplish our goal,” said Garcia.