CEBU CITY – Only a handful of prominent personalities showed up in the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) in Metro Cebu.
Cebu Fifth District Rep. Pablo John Garcia broke the ice as he was the first to troop to the Provincial Commission on Elections (Comelec) to file his COC as a reelectionist.
Pablo John is the younger brother of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.
Gwen Garcia and her potential challenger former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano are expected to file their COCs next week.
The filing of COCs for provincial and congressional posts is done at the Provincial Comelec office located inside the Capitol building in Cebu City.
Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. was the second to file his COC for First District Congressman of Cebu Province.
There had been reports it will be Gullas’ wife Rhea who will be running for mayor in Talisay.
Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Castillano noted candidates were cooperative and did not bring a huge entourage.
Chairs were placed outside the Comelec office for the companions of the candidates filing their COCs.
In Cebu City, the filing of COCs is held at the Cebu City Comelec office near the Basilica del Santo Nino.
Only one candidate, a certain Gian Aznar, filed his COC for North District Cebu City Councilor.
Castillano said that most candidates often file their COCs later or based on dates that they believe would bring them good luck.
Some also file their COCs on the last days in order to further assess their potential opponents.
The filing of COCs will be until October 8.