|
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Obscure or fringe aspirants file COCs
MANILA—A handful of obscure, fringe candidates were the first to register yesterday for the presidential elections next year.
None of the prominent candidates showed up when the 18-day registration period for candidates opened at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office here.
President Arroyo, who will be fighting for a fresh six-year mandate, is in Bahrain on a state visit.
‘Messiah’
Among those who filed their certificates of candidacy was Rigoberto Madera, who listed himself as a “messiah”, a “six-star general” and “ace diamond commander-in-chief on Earth.” He said he was sent by God to unite the people.
Another candidate, who identified himself as German Tupas Valladares, said he will be running under the slogan, “money for you, for me, for everyone.”
A woman, using the name “Salve Bush,” also registered herself as representing the “united opposition.”
Eddie Villanueva, who heads a evangelist sect “Jesus is Lord Movement” which boasts of seven million members across the country, also announced he would seek the presidency, but has yet to file his candidacy.
The Philippines is possibly Asia’s most vibrant democracy and elections here attract its share of queer and obscure candidates who are often disqualified after strict screening process.
In Cebu, a reelectionist for the Provincial Board and a former congressman seeking a mayoral post were among the few who filed their certificates of candidacy.
Among those expected to give Arroyo a stiff challenge are movie icon Fernando Poe, ex-senator and former education secretary Raul Roco and Sen. Panfilo Lacson.
Poe has been leading in recent surveys, spooking the business sector wary of his ability to run a country of 80 million people.
Poe is also a close friend of deposed president Joseph Estrada, himself a former actor who parlayed his popularity to win the 1998 polls. Estrada was ousted by a popular revolt in 2001 amid corruption allegations and he was replaced by Arroyo.
Evaluate
Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said the filing of a COC does not make one an official candidate.
“We would still evaluate if they are capable of launching full-scale campaigns,” said Abalos.
The Comelec also announced that until Jan. 2, except on Christmas Day, they will be accepting certificates of candidacy from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Comelec’s usual office hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During the last day, Comelec will be working overnight to accommodate would-be candidates.
National candidates are required to file their certificates at the Intramuros office while local candidates may do so at their respective municipalities and cities.
Nearly half a million candidates are expected to file their certificates during the 18-day period.
The gun ban also started at Monday midnight and ends on June 9, 2004.
About 43 million registered voters are expected to vote in the May 10, 2004 polls. (AFP/PNA)
(December 16, 2003 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
