Bongbong formally files candidacy for VP

MANILA, Philippines – After his formal announcement of vice presidential bid last Saturday in Intramuros, Manila, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos on Tuesday returned to Intramuros to formally submit his certificate of candidacy (COC) for vice president before the Commission on Elections.

Marcos, a member of the Nacionalista Party (NP), will run independently as he is about to end his six-year term in Senate. He will go up against two other NP members, Sens. Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV for the vice presidential race.

"Palagay ko after this week ay hindi na tayo masyado magkikita sa Maynila. Magkikita na tayo sa pag-iikot sa buong Pilipinas," Marcos told members of the press after filing his COC.

Marcos was the seventh to file his candidacy for the vice presidential race, citing that the number seven is his "lucky number." He placed seventh in the 2010 senatorial race.

"Nandyan pa rin ang lucky number na seven para sa aming mga Marcos so I think that is a good omen," Marcos said.

Upon filing his candidacy, Marcos vowed to eradicate poverty, eliminate graft and corruption in the government, boost the economy and unite the country in building a progressive society.

The senator was earlier invited by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay to become his running mate but he declined due to “political differences.” He also eyed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as his president, however the mayor said he is not seeking the presidency in 2016.

Marcos was endorsed by former president and current Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile during his announcement last Saturday.

He is the lone vice presidential candidate to hail from the northern province, Ilocos.