33 senatorial bets running in 2013 polls

MANILA, Philippines - There will be 33 aspirants running for senator in the May 2013 mid-term elections after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday approved the certificate of candidacy (COC) of a senatorial candidate under the Bangon Pilipinas party of Bro. Eddie Villanueva.

Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes said the poll body had decided to include Israel Virgines, 45, in the list of senatorial bets who will vie for the 12 Senate seats next year.

“There are now 33 candidates. We heard the case of  Virgines two weeks ago and we approved it (yesterday),” he said.

On the last day of filing of COCs last Oct. 5, Virgines submitted his COC at around 9 p.m., way past the 5 p.m. deadline set by the poll body.

Virgines, a teacher from Silang, Cavite, had filed a petition for his COC to be considered, claiming that he did not arrive at the Comelec on time because of heavy traffic.

He added that on that day, Villanueva’s Jesus is Lord Movement was having its anniversary celebration at the Quirino Grandstand, creating traffic in nearby areas like Intramuros. The Comelec granted his petition.