AFTER two weeks, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is expected to upload the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of candidates seeking National and Local positions in 2025 on their website.
COMELEC stated that this is a way for voters to get to know the candidates better and to help them file petitions with the commission if a particular person should not be allowed to run or be voted for.
The transfer of COCs from local COMELEC offices to the main COMELEC office has already begun.
“We always do this, but we felt it was important for you to witness and see this, as it reflects our commitment to transparency. We decided to do this promptly because we are just two weeks away from uploading all the Certificates of Candidacy on the COMELEC website,” said Atty. George Garcia, Chairman, COMELEC.
Young voters in Manila support this initiative by the commission.
“Of course, it’s a huge advantage that they can see now who will be running, so that even with a long preparation time, they can start thinking about who deserves their vote. Usually, candidates are only posted close to the election, but now they can begin researching ahead of time,” according to Paul John, voter.
“For me, to determine if they deserve our vote, there are candidates running who have no knowledge of politics at all,” said Dionnee Carl, voter.
“This is important so we can assess the candidates. We need to know if they have been convicted in any cases,” said Nathan, voter.
Some Manila voters reject senatorial aspirant France Castro
Even though the COMELEC hasn’t posted anything yet, some voters have already expressed opposition to the candidacy of senatorial aspirant France Castro, who has been convicted of child abuse.
According to the voters, they will never vote for someone like France Castro.
“Why would I vote for a candidate who is convicted for child abuse? It’s disgusting if they will win. For sure, she will bring problem. Those who will vote for her is stupid. She will not be a good example especially to the voters. Hopefully, they will be wise on voting,” said Peter, voter.
“Of course, he’s likely to do something bad again because he’s already done it before,” said Paul John, voter.
“That’s child abuse. It’s not right to vote for those kinds of candidates. We should vote for someone with a good background. Why would we vote for people with such backgrounds, especially those involved in child abuse, and even worse, the corrupt ones?” said Dionne Carl, voter.
“He’s convicted, right? No, he isn’t. Of course, it involves children. I have kids too. When it comes to children, that’s a huge factor,” said Hilary, voter.
“It’s difficult to trust someone like that,” said Nathan, voter.
Meanwhile, voters are open to supporting first-time candidates like Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
Pastor Apollo will be running for senator in the upcoming 2025 elections.
“For me… he’s okay… that’s just my opinion. I’ll leave it to others,” said Cadelle, voter.
“He’s from Davao, that’s why. It’s the same with Bato, who’s also from Davao. Yeah,” said Leo, voter.
“So, we can also test them out, not just stick to the same old candidates,” said Mar, voter.
“Let’s give them a chance, because if they can prove themselves, that’s not a problem at all,” said Bryan, voter.
“(If Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy runs for senator, would you vote for him?) Of course! I would definitely vote for him because it’s good to have someone like him in the Senate. It’s always just actors; it would be nice to have a church leader running in the Philippines,” said Benito Moztizo Balbastro Panacan, Davao City.
In the latest update from the COMELEC, there are already 66 senatorial aspirants on the list from their law department for the 2025 elections, but this has not yet been published by the commission.
The law department is still reviewing the COCs they have received for national positions.
The deadline for filing petitions against nuisance candidates has been extended until today, Wednesday.
The law department will recommend candidates, as well as those who are not qualified to the Comelec Enbanc before the commission will finalize the list.
