Obscure bets among early birds in filing certificates

A handful of obscure candidates were the first to file their certificates yesterday for next May’s presidential elections.

None of the prominent candidates showed up when the 18-day registration period for candidates opened at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. As of last night, 16 candidates have filed their certificates declaring their intention to run for president of the Republic.

Among those who filed their certificates of candidacy was Rigoberto Madera, who listed himself as a "messiah," a "6-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 would be running under the slogan, "money for you, for me, for everyone."

A woman claiming to be a girlfriend of the current US president and using the name "Salve Bush" also registered herself as representing the "united opposition."

Others who will run for president are: Leopoldo Salud, 47, an information technology salesman; Eddie Gil, 59, a businessman; Ricardo Daniac, an "international healer;" Antolin Garcia, 64, an account executive; Luisito Bacani, 62, a businessman, Alfonso Celmar, 36; Bartolome Padilla, 68, a farmer; and Gregorio de Leon, a missionary and taxi driver.

Bishop Eddie Villanueva, who heads the Jesus is Lord Church which boasts of seven million members across the country, also announced he would seek the presidency, but has yet to file his candidacy.

Lawyer Josslyn Demesa, who was tasked to receive the certificates of candidacies, said they expect more obscure individuals to file their certificates. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos said the period for filing the certificates of candidacy may be extended to Jan. 5.

Under the law, a presidential candidate must be 45 years old, a natural born Filipino, and able to read and write. The Comelec only requires that a presidential candidate can carry out a national campaign.

Registration offices hummed with activity, but most heavyweights were likely to bide their time to avoid rules against premature campaigning once they declare. Candidates for president, the House of Representatives, half of the Senate, town mayors and other offices have until Jan. 2 to file declarations with the Comelec.

While formal campaigning cannot start until February, many hopefuls have been talking themselves up for months.

Police nationwide have been placed on alert for the implementation of the Comelec-imposed gun ban.

Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has placed the Philippine National Police (PNP) on alert in compliance with Comelec resolution 6446 banning the carrying of guns during the election period.

Senior Superintendent Joel Goltiao, PNP public information officer, said the alert order will last until the end of the election period on June 9 next year.

Permits to carry firearms outside residence will remain suspended during the election period unless an exemption is issued by the Comelec, he added. — Christina Mendez, Jose Aravilla, Reuters, AFP