Several high-profile personalities have filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) for Senator on Monday, including Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, and retired Colonel Ariel Querubin.
Accompanied by his family, including Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr., Abalos highlighted his extensive track record as a lawyer, former mayor, and cabinet member of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s administration.
Abalos took pride in his accomplishments as DILG Secretary, particularly his efforts in fighting crime, illegal drugs, corruption, and pursuing wanted individuals.
The DILG Chief also underscored his achievements as Mayor of Mandaluyong City, where he significantly boosted the local economy, earning the city the title "Tiger City of the Philippines."
Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson also filed his COC as an independent senatorial candidate. Singson expressed his readiness to support transport groups, regardless of the election's outcome.
Singson pledged to fund the acquisition of modern jeepneys for these groups, stating that even if he incurred losses, it would not hinder his efforts to assist them.
Singson revealed that he had already engaged with the "Magnificent 7" transport group and two other groups that oppose the ongoing Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) modernization program. He assured them that he is willing to offer his support.
Meanwhile, retired Colonel Ariel Querubin, running as an independent despite being backed by the Nationalist Party, declared his intent to defend the Philippines' rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Querubin explained that he decided to run for the Senate again because of his passion for protecting the country’s territorial rights.
"As a retired Marine, I can no longer sit idly by and watch as our rights in the West Philippine Sea are repeatedly violated," Querubin stated emphasizing the need to safeguard the nation's security and future.
Querubin was accompanied by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who showed his support during the filing of his candidacy.
The filing of COCs will end tomorrow, October 8.
