COC filing peaceful, orderly

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Authorities said no untoward incident marred the filing of certificates of candidacy in different offices of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon).

More than 6,000 police officers were dispatched to secure the premises of the Comelec offices, where politicians and their supporters were expected to flock, Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano said.

He said police were monitoring the number of candidates for governors, mayors and city councilors who filed their COCs yesterday.

Bets file COCs

In Pangasinan, third district Rep. Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas filed her COC before noon at the provincial Comelec office in Dagupan City.

Arenas, who is seeking reelection under the Liberal Party, was accompanied by her daughter, former congresswoman Rachel Arenas.

Reelectionist first district Rep. Jesus Celeste arrived ahead of Arenas at 7 a.m. to file his COC.

In Cabanatuan City, outgoing third district Rep. Czarina Umali and fourth district Rep. Rodolfo Antonino filed their COCs for Pangasinan’s gubernatorial race.

In La Union, two Ortegas are vying for the first district’s congressional seat.

 Outgoing San Fernando City Mayor Pablo Ortega and his nephew, board member Manuel Ortega Jr., filed their COCs at almost the same time yesterday.

In Cagayan, former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile’s son, Jack, filed his COC to regain his former seat in the province’s first district.

Jack arrived at the Comelec office in Barangay San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City at 8 a.m. and submitted his COC to provincial election officer Alexander Pilotin.

In Davao, reelectionist first district Rep. Karlo Nograles filed his COC early. He and his family arrived at the Comelec office in Davao City at 6 a.m.

Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Emano and his supporters first attended a mass before filing his COC in Cagayan de Oro City. – Ed Amoroso, Eva Visperas, Raymund Catindig, Manny Galvez, Edith Regalado