DAY 3 of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections saw prominent re-electionists and first-timers, including Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go, who was accompanied by no less than his boss.
The presence of President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his security detail at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office, along with several other political personalities showing support for Mr. Go, prompted questions on the “special treatment” accorded to the candidate.
Comelec has set a rule that each candidate is only permitted to bring four companions inside the Palacio Del Gobernador building when they file their COC.
“We will be looking into how other personalities were able to join the entourage of Go,” Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said.
Mr. Jimenez noted that with Mr. Duterte’s presence, it was understandable that there would be an army of security tagging along.
“The President will require certain allowances be made in order that his security are available and have easy access to him at all times,” Mr. Jimenez said.
In Pulse Asia’s pre-election survey last month, Mr. Go ranked 22nd to 27th for the senatorial race that would have 12 winners.
Up until yesterday, Mr. Go declined to confirm his intent to run.
He initially drew public attention for his consistent presence in the background in photos of the President, and for his “selfie” posts with foreign leaders and dignitaries.
Mr. Go has recently drawn public flak for numerous posters and banners around the country bearing his name and photo, which hint of premature campaigning.
“After months of contemplating and conferring to the people, the President and I trust, I am finally down to a decision, which is to finally run for public office,” Mr. Go told the media.
He added that like the President, “I would like put the nation and the people first.”
RE-ELECTIONISTS
Meanwhile, incumbent Senators Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, and Cynthia A. Villar, all pre-election survey leaders, also filed their COCs yesterday.
Other well-known personalities who filed were former actor and senator Manuel Mercado”Lito” Lapid, Magdalo Para sa Pilipino (MAGDALO) Party-list Representative Gary C. Alejano, who came with Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV.
Former assistant secretary Esther Margaux “Mocha” J. Uson of the soon-to-be defunct Presidential Communications Operations Office also filed a COC as the first nominee of Kasosyo Partylist.
ROXAS COMEBACK
In another development, Manuel “Mar” A. Roxas II, who lost to Mr. Duterte in the 2016 presidential election, posted a video on social media yesterday expressing his interest to return to the political scene.
“I don’t have any quit in me and I won’t quit on our country. Kung sa tingin niyo makakatulong pa ako, handa ako (If you think I can still help, I am ready),” he said in the video.
Sought for comment, Mr. Roxas said in a text message to reporters that he has yet to finalize when he intends to file his COC.
“Naghahanap pa ng (I am still looking for a) time slot. Napaka (It was a) last minute (decision)…,” he said.
The last day for filing of COCs is Oct. 17.
Voting for the May 2019 midterm elections cover 12 senators, all House of Representative seats, and all local government posts except the barangay level. — Gillian M. Cortez

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR