Filipinos begin race for presidency, 18000 other offices

Honasan is the running mate of Vice President Jejomar Binay in the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA). “I’m a soldier and I will follow the party decision”, he said.

On Monday, Honasan said he skipped the Visayas event because he was busy with his tasks of strengthening and organizing UNA.

SURPRISE CANDIDACIES There were other surprise candidacies that morning, along with a gallery of other presidential aspirants who claimed, among other things, being “anointed by God” and, in the case of one Daniel R. Magtira, a husband of celebrity presidential sister Kristina Bernadette “Kris” C. Aquino. Grace Poe and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, are expected to register their candidacies this week.

Already pundits are calling this year’s selection “bizarre” with more vice presidential bets than presidential bets, and a high number of running candidates from the same party opting to run as independents.

On Monday (Oct 12), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially opened wide its doors for candidates to register their intention to stand for the 2016 elections.

“I don’t have the luxury of an ego. I do not have a stariray complex”, Honasan said.

“It is about time that poverty be squarely addressed through employment, good and quality education for the youth, and proper healthcare”, Quicho said.

Philippine Vice-President and now presidential candidate Jejomar Binay, left, and running mate Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan (partly hidden third from right) arrive to sign a pledge shortly after filing their respective c… Asked how this will affect his candidacy, Honasan said he trusts in the fairness of the judicial system.

“If there is an order of the Ombudsman that is immediately executory, then we are duty-bound to implement that order, unless there is a temporary restraining order that will be obtained”, Mr. Bautista said, adding that the Comelec’s acceptance of the mayor’s candidacy “does not necessarily mean that [he becomes] an official candidate”.

The deadline for the filing of COCs for the 2016 polls will be at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16. To maximize their resources, Honasan and Binay will campaign separately to be able to cover all bases.

The Comelec earlier urged candidates to limit the entourage they will bring inside the Comelec office.