They may not be as popular as the other personalities, but they too want to serve the Filipino people.
Some less known individuals went to the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City to seek the approval of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to run for next year’s general polls. Among them is a doctor who wants to lead the country amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and there’s another who advocates for the welfare of animals.
President
During the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy, Dr. Jose Montemayor applied for the position of president. Aside from being a physician, Montemayor said that he is also a lawyer.
Montemayor said he will “eliminate corruption, criminality, as well as COVID,” if the Filipino people choose him as the country’s next president.
“Our country is facing a very serious crisis, especially a pandemic. A president must have ample knowledge (about) this virus,” he said.
“Our people are desperately looking for a leader, one who is manageable, honest, with integrity, and also they will have confidence in him,” he added.
Another presidential aspirant was Edmundo Rubi who ”would like to make a difference in this country.” He narrated that the Philippines was once the “number one nation” in Asia.
“But how come at this time, we are behind. Obviously, there is something wrong with our system. And I believe (that) I can make a difference to lead this country---(for) the prosperity of this nation,” said Rubi.
Rubi said he will prioritize the welfare of senior citizens.
“I'll prioritize the senior citizens of this country---they will have free electricity, free housing, and retirement income,” he said.
“Every citizen of this nation, I would like to give at least a minimum of P5,000 every month not just one time but a lifetime commitment to every citizen of this country,” he added.
“And I would like to give a free education and free hospitalization so that our country can prosper again,” he furthered.
Laurencio Yulaga, who was wearing a green barong tagalog, advocates for the use of nanotechnology to help solve the problems of the Philippines.
He said that he wanted to impart the importance of science to his fellow Filipinos. “Modernized technology, wala pa sa Pilipinas nito,” said Yulaga. He claimed that he was a graduate of the prestigious Harvard University.
Vice President
Vice presidential aspirant Alexander Lague vowed that he will eradicate poverty and corruption.
"Ako ay tumatakbo hindi para sumikat, hindi para may gagawin para sa sariling kapakanan... Ako ay tumatakbo para makatulong, maiwasan, para maresolbahan, at matuldukan ang dalawang problema ng ating bansa: poverty and corruption (I am running not to be famous or to do something for my own benefit... I am running to help solve and put an end on the two problems that our country is facing: poverty and corruption)," said Lague.
Lague said that he will set up gender-neutral bathrooms in leading cities in Metro Manila.
"Bawat barangay ay tatayuan ko ng CR, lalo na yung leading streets tulad ng Caloocan, EDSA. Itong gagawin ko po ay para sa male, female, and LGBT (I will build a CR in every barangay, especially in the leading streets in Caloocan, EDSA. This is for males, females, and members of the LGBT)," he said.
Senator
Norman Marquez is seeking a seat in the Senate as he would like to advocate the welfare of animals---”who are part of our household.”
“Our battle cry is animal welfare is human welfare and we are inclined to harmonize the advocacy, harmonize human with the animals in the environment,” he said.
“For the first time we will be heard---the animals but it is not really the animals which are being ignored----we are now finally voting for the welfare of our pets. We will give them pet health care,” he added.
Phil Delos Reyes, who was wearing a security guard uniform, said that he will push for the eradication of illegal drugs, poverty, criminality, corruption, and will advocate for prisoners' livelihood.
He will also push for housing projects for poor families. “Housing sa lahat kung kinakailangan. Lahat ay maging miyembro ng PAGIBIG at magkaroon ng bahay at maiwasan na yung palalayasin at maninirahan sa daan at sa tabing ilog (Housing for all if needed. Everyone should be a member of PAGIBIG and have a house so no one will be evicted and no one will live on the roadside and on the riverside),” said Delos Reyes.