Palparan running for senator

MANILA, Philippines - Among those who filed their certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday was Ang Bantay Rep. Jovito Palparan, who has been accused of human rights violations when he was still with the military.

Palparan admitted that one of the reasons why he is running for senator is to match the bid of “left-leaning” senatorial bets.

He was apparently referring to Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo and Gabriela Rep. Lisa Maza who are running under the Nacionalista Party.

Palparan is running as an independent.

Former Sen. Tito Sotto also filed his COC as senatorial candidate under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

In an interview, Sotto maintained that the county’s next president would be deluged with problems on drug abuse if the anti-drug laws would not be strictly implemented.

Singer Anthony Castelo also formalized his intention to run as independent senator.

Castelo did not speak about his platform but instead regaled mediamen and Comelec personnel with his hit song “Balatkayo.” 

Detained Marine Col. Ariel Querubin, meanwhile, sought the dismantling of private armies to prevent a repeat of the Maguindanao massacre.

Querubin, who is facing a rebellion case for a Marine standoff in February 2006, filed his COC for senator under the Nacionalista Party of Sen. Manny Villar.

Meanwhile, former Agriculture undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante, who was accused of masterminding the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, yesterday filed his COC for governor of Capiz province.

He will be up against incumbent Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. from the Liberal Party.

Bolante is one of the founding members of newly formed political party Ugyon Kita Capiz (UKC).

Actress Lanie Mercado, wife of Sen. Bong Revilla, has also filed her COC for a congressional seat in Cavite at the House of Representatives under Lakas-Kampi-CMD. In 2001, she ran for mayor but lost to Jessie Castillo.

After his failed senatorial bid in 2007, actor Cesar Montano, who defected to the LP from the ruling party Lakas, has also filed his COC for governor of Bohol.