Will Laguna province see a last-minute rush for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2025 elections?
This, as it is now apparent that many of those expected to file their COCs are waiting for the last two days of the filing period, which have been scheduled for October 1 to 8.
With just over four days to go (as of press time, October 4), political analysts are expecting that the candidates voters (and supporters) are expecting the most to file their COCs will opt to make a “pasabog” of sorts at the last minute, particularly on October 7 and 8.
Unlike during the filing of COCs for the 2022 national elections, which didn’t see much fanfare due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s filing of COCs marked a return of the “fiesta”-like atmosphere of Filipino politics as supporters and allies gather en masse to display their support for the candidates who trooped to the offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the province during the eight-day period.
‘Wala pa rin’
As of press time, none of the four candidates who are confirmed to be running for governor of the province – 2nd District Representative Ruth Hernandez, Vice Governor Karen Agapay, former 3rd District Representative Sol Aragones, and Santa Rosa City Representative Dan Fernandez – have officially filed their COCs.
It should be noted, by the way, that Aragones’ AKAY ni SOL Partylist have filed their Certificate of Nomination and Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination during the first day of filing last October 1.
Also a matter of speculation is when will Melvin Matibag, who are now all but confirmed to lock horns with incumbent Mayor Art Mercado in 2025, file their COCs and bare his official lineup at the same time. (However, his wife, incumbent 1st District Representative Ann Matibag, who is running for a second term, has filed her COC at the Comelec office in Santa Cruz last October 2.)
Mercado, on the other hand, is expected to file his COC along with his official lineup on Monday, October 7.
Meanwhile, the LABarkada Team of Biñan City Vice Mayor Gel Alonte and incumbent Councilor Jonalina “Dada” Reyes will also file their respective COCs this Saturday, October 5.
No surprises
In Santa Rosa City, Laguna, it was no surprise when incumbent Mayor Arlene Arcillas filed her COC last October 2, along with incumbent Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas and Councilor Roy Gonzales, who is now confirmed to be the Arcillas’ “anointed” choice to run for the city’s congressional seat.
Still a matter of speculation as of press time is whether incumbent 1st District Board Member Danzel Fernandez will run again for board member or attempt to capture the seat being vacated by his father in Congress.
In Calamba City, the Chipeco political family that was badly defeated by the team of incumbent Mayor Roseller “Ross” Rizal is now confirmed to attempt a comeback, as former Mayor Justin Marc “Timmy” Chipeco officially filed his COC last October 3.
And in Bay, actor Emilio Garcia became the talk of national media after officially declaring his intentions to run for mayor against incumbent Jose Padrid.
Garcia’s filing of COC on October 1 proved to be a star-studded affair, as he was accompanied by some close friends including fellow actor and Senator Robin Padilla.
Aside from these, many of those who filed their COCs in Laguna province during the first four days are those from the mostly rural central and eastern towns of the province.
Shock factor
While tactics such as last-minute filing of COCs are nothing new, the decision of many prominent candidates to file their COCs during the last two days of the filing period is an indication that this year’s election promises to be much more heated than before.
As was speculated by OpinYon Laguna in previous issues, the 2025 elections will see an attempt by some political dynasties in the province who were unseated in the 2022 polls to recoup their lost power and prestige (not to mention fortunes).
“May pa-shock effect rin kasi itong pag-file nila ng certificates of candidacy at the very last minute – bigla-bigla, magpapakita itong si ganitong personality at magdedeklara na tatakbo siya sa 2022 polls,” a political analyst who spoke on condition of anonymity to OpinYon Laguna said. “Siyempre, siya ang mas pag-uusapan kaysa doon sa mga nauna nang nag-file ng COC, so that’s added publicity points para sa kanya.”
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