Candidates for the two highest posts in the country flocked the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City from October 1 to 8 to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2022 National Elections.
A total of 97 presidential and 29 vice-presidential hopefuls submitted their names for the polls.
Among the big names included, Senator Manny Pacquiao filed his COC for the presidency last October 1, becoming the first presidential candidate to do so. He surprised the public as he named Deputy Speaker and Buhay Representative Lito Atienza his running mate under the PROMDI political party, which is in alliance with PDP-Laban.
On the other hand, running under Aksyon Demokratiko, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Dr. Willie Ong submitted their presidential and vice-presidential bids last October 4.
October 6 meanwhile witnessed the expected duo of Senators Panfilo Lacson and Vicente Sotto III submitting their COCs for the presidency and vice presidency, respectively. The tandem banners Partido para sa Demokratikong Reporma party or Partido Reporma.
On the same day, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. also filed his candidacy for the presidential post without a running mate under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
The last two days of filing created quite a buzz on social media as Vice President Leni Robredo announced her decision to seek the highest post in the 2022 elections and named Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan as her running mate. Tagged as the opposition, Pangilinan runs under the Liberal Party, whereas Robredo runs as an independent candidate.
Senators Ronaldo "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "Bong" Go also submitted their names for president and vice president, respectively, with different timelines, under the Cusi-wing's Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), as endorsed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
Despite some calls for the presidency, Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte did not submit her name for the national polls, instead opting to file her COC for reelection in the local government unit.
According to the Commission on Elections calendar, the COMELEC will post a tentative list of candidates on October 29. The last day for publishing the Approved List of Nominees is on November 30.
Sources: Rappler, CNN, and GMA News
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