More administration lawmakers file candidacies

MANILA, Philippines — More administration members of the House of Representatives have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) at their local Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices, seeking reelection to the legislative districts that they represent.

Two of these lawmakers are Representatives Rolando Valeriano of Manila’s second district – a vocal critic of Vice President Sara Duterte – and John Keith Flores of Bukidnon’s second district.

“I hope to continue to repay the trust and confidence of the residents of district two with even more responsive and relevant services, programs and legislation that improve the quality of life and advance justice, especially for the poor and disadvantaged,” Valeriano said.

Valeriano is the chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila development and a member of the committee on good government and public accountability, while Flores – a lawyer – heads the House committee on government reorganization.

Both are vying for their third and last terms in the House, equivalent to nine years.

Flores, who filed his COC in Malaybalay City with One Malaybalay candidates, said “through the committees we are in, we make sure that laws that come from Congress redound to the benefit of our constituents and the whole country.”

Migz’s wife eyes House

The wife of former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri is running for representative of Bukidnon.

In her Instagram post on audreytanzubiri, Audrey Tan-Zubiri said, “Today marks the beginning of an incredible journey as I officially file my candidacy for Representative of the 3rd District of Bukidnon.”

Farmers’ group

Farmers’ group Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) party-list is seeking reelection as it filed its CONA and COC before the Comelec at the Manila Hotel.

Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (PPFP) president and AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones led 10 nominees.

Aside from Briones, other nominees of AGAP party-list include Batangas Egg Producers Federation, Cavite Livestock Poultry Association, and Fisherfolks and Security Agency.

Briones was among the principal sponsor of RA 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, that was recently signed into law by President Marcos.

Briones vowed to continue AGAP’s program of helping farmers and fisherfolk.

Party-list groups

Meanwhile, a total of 11 party-list groups yesterday filed their certificates of nomination and acceptance (CONAs) before the Comelec.

The Magdalo party-list, led by its first nominee Gary Alejano, filed its CONA yesterday afternoon.

A total of 160 party-list groups are set to take part in the raffle that will be conducted to determine the numbers that they will carry in the ballots to be used in next year’s elections, according to the Comelec. — Cecille Suerte Felipe, Emmanuel Tupas, Jose Rodel Clapano, Rhodina Villanueva, Bella Cariaso