THE Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) party-list became the first to file their List of Nominees and Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (Cona) for the May 2022 race.

Agap first and second nominees Nicanor Briones and Lala Sotto filed early Friday, October 1, 2021, with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) at the Sofitel Harbor Garden Tents in Pasay City.

According to Briones, the advocacy of Agap will remain the same as in its past electoral participation.

"We will continue to fight for our farmers’ rights and welfare," said Briones.

"We will also be at the forefront in the fight against smuggling and excessive importation," he added.

Briones also said they will be pushing for an increase in the annual budget of the Department of Agriculture.

Since the 2007 party-list elections, Agap has been successful in winning seats at the House of Representatives.

It managed to win two seats in the 2007 and 2013 polls, while getting one seat each during the 2010, 2016, and 2019 elections.

The 2022 national and local elections have been set for May 9, 2022. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)