As of October 2, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that only 4,407 individuals have filed their Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
"Mayroon po tayong 4,407 na mga nag-file na ng Certificate of Candidacy. Ito naman po ay hindi pa ganoong kataas pero napakatahimik naman po kasi nung filing ng candidacy sa buong Pilipinas," Comelec Chairman Atty. George Garcia said during an exclusive interview with DZRH for Damdaming Bayan on Thursday.
The COMELEC chair anticipates that the offices will see a surge of last-minute candidates for the elections. Garcia noted that candidates are still gauging who their opponents will be.
Furthermore, candidates have their own strategies and beliefs, including the use of feng shui, which is why they also choose specific days to file their COCs.
Will Alice Guo be allowed to run in 2025 midterm elections?
Meanwhile, regarding dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, Garcia stated that the COMELEC will still accept her COC if she decides to file for the mayoralty race in Bamban.
However, Garcia clarified that this does not mean Guo will automatically be able to run for any post.
“Ang tanong lamang ay ‘yan ba pagbibigyan na makatakbo. Ibang usapan po iyan. Kung makakatakbo, iyan ay hindi sasagutin muna sapagkat depende,” said Garcia.
“May magfi-file ba ng kaso laban sa kanya ng disqualification, cancellation ng candidacy, or ‘yung denial ng due course na tinatawag? Mayroon bang desisyon ba ang Ombudsman na perpetually disqualified to hold public office ang isang kandidato?” he added.
Garcia further added that sometimes a candidate is declared a nuisance candidate or considered merely a disruptor.
Additionally, he noted that two weeks after the final day for COC filing on October 8, they will provide a resolution outlining the legitimate candidates for the election and identifying any nuisance candidates.
Regarding Political dynasties
Garcia noted that there are no existing laws against political dynasties, even though this is stated in the Constitution. According to the Constitution, a law must be passed by Congress before it can be implemented.
"Ngayon po, wala pa po tayong anti-political dynasty provision, maliban nalang sa Sangguniang Kabataan. Mayroon pong nilagay doon na bawal ‘yung related hanggang sa 2nd degree, hanggang sa lolo sa kahit na saang posisyon," Garcia stated.
"Ang Bangsamoro po sa kanilang election code, nagkaroon din sila lately ng isang batas mismo na nakalagay doon bawal din ‘yung mga miyembro ng parliament related by 2nd degree, hanggang lolo din at mga magulang," he added.
Some argue that, ultimately, it is the voters who will decide whether family members can run for political positions.
Garcia further asserted that it is difficult to define what constitutes a political dynasty and to determine to what extent such dynasties should be prohibited. He noted that this often becomes a central debate on the issue.
