Over 1,200 candidates file COC in Cebu island

CEBU, Philippines — A total of 1,263 candidates vying for different elective positions in Cebu island have filed their certificates of candidacy (COC) before the local offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) until the last minute of filing ended at 5 p.m. yesterday.

Comelec-7 regional director Atty. Francisco Pobe said the filing of COC went smooth and orderly since it started on October 1.

"All is well that ends well. The filling was smooth and orderly. More so the much-prepared organized system implemented by Comelec makes the filing convenient and expeditious. All are accommodated and graciously given resolve of their intention to file. That includes supporter, fellow candidates and assistors," Pobe said.

Among the local positions that are up for grabs in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections include the governor, vice governor, provincial board members, district congressmen, mayors, vice mayors, and city and municipal councilors.

The Comelec records show that 84 COCs have been filed for all aspired positions in Cebu City. Five of them are for city mayor and three for vice mayor.

The mayoralty contest for Cebu City is a five-cornered fight between Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, dismissed mayor Michael Rama, Councilor Nestor Archival, former Customs commissioner Yogi Felimon Ruiz, and independent aspirant Julieto Co.

The vice mayoralty race is seen to be a close contest between former mayor Tomas Osmeña, former Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) chairman Joey Daluz III, and Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros.

The north congressional seat is also a 3-cornered fight between former political allies---incumbent Rep. Cutie del Mar, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Franklyn Ong, and Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos.

The south congressional district, on the other hand, would be a head-to-head fight between incumbent Rep. Edu Rama and former congressman Bebot Abellanosa.

Cebu City South District election officer Atty. Ferdinand Gujilde also clarified that they have not turned down any COC even that of dismissed mayor Rama. Gujilde said Rama’s COC remained valid.

"Kay like I said, ang pagdawat nato sa COC ministerial, ang tan-awon lang nato is prescribed form ba, pirmado ba o notaryado, dili mi mangutana kung kwalipikado ba ka o dili kay dili na under sa among jurisdiction," said Gujilde.

He explained that as far as their office is concerned, regardless of the decision of the Ombudsman dismissing Rama from service and barring him from holding any public office, his COC remained accepted.

Gujilde said it would be up for the Comelec central office to make the decision. But, he said the position of the commission is that the Ombudsman decision is immediately executor albeit not yet final.

"Ang position sa COMELEC, ang nature sa decision sa Ombudsman, immediately executory, but not yet final. So based on that, kung executory nya ang imong silot nagtangag og accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification, so disqualified gyud sya...but not yet final man," said Gujilde.

Gujilde also said that substitution is no longer allowed after the filing has ended. But starting today (Wednesday), aspirants may still withdraw their COC but can no longer be replaced.

"Mailisan lang ka kung simbako ang mahitabo nimo mamatay ka or madisqualified, pwede ka ilisan. Same political party until November 15," said Gujilde.

Substitution, however, is limited only to the same surname and same political party. — (FREEMAN)