Palace: High number of presidential hopefuls shows dynamic democracy

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang sees nothing wrong with the high number of individuals — including possible nuisance candidates — who aspire to run for president next year.

"The high number of presidential aspirants attest to the dynamism of our democracy and reflects the desire of well-meaning Filipinos to actively participate in the electoral process," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.

"Come election time, we expect our bosses to exercise sound judgment in their selection of future leaders of the country," he added.

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Coloma said besides the age and citizenship requirements, the Constitution does not impose other restrictions on presidential hopefuls.

"Kaya sino naman tayo para humadlang sa pagnanais ng mga indibidwal na ialay ang sarili nila sa paglilingkod," he said.

As of Tuesday, close to 40 people have filed their certificates of candicacy for president.

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Coloma said the Commission on Elections is expected to weed out the nuisance candidates.

"Sila ang nangangasiwa sa proseso ng pag-alam kung ang mga naghain ng certificate of candidacy ay dapat na ituring na nuisance candidates ayon sa depinisyon sa batas," he said.