If there's a common denominator between the new senatorial hopefuls who filed their certificates of Candidacy (COC) before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday, Oct. 5, it is that they all want change to happen in the government, from their own perspective.

Among the fresh faces that are seeking to make their mark in the political scene was veteran broadcaster Ben Tulfo, brother of incumbent senator Raffy Tulfo, and ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo. Rep. Tulfo is also expected to run as senator.

Ben shared to reporters that, during his stint in the service-oriented television program "Bitag", they saw that there was something wrong with the system that must be fixed. And in seeking a seat in the upper chamber as an independent candidate, he wants to be part of the solution. 

When asked about allegations of seeking a political dynasty in the Senate, he replied that they are indeed a dynasty in terms of helping people.

But as far as a political dynasty is concerned, that's an entirely different story.

"We need a longer conversation about it some other time," he said.

Ordinary citizens seek Senate seat

Ordinary citizens from different backgrounds mustered the courage to pursue a Senate seat and effect change in their own way.

Warlito Bovier, a driver and a construction worker, was the first to file a COC for senator on the fifth day of filing at the Tent City, Manila Hotel.

In his introduction, he mentioned that he wants to uplift the lives of construction workers by pushing for an increase in their salaries. He stated that it's a sector that the government seemed to have forgotten.

"Ang mga construction worker na matagal na pong hindi naasikaso ng mga nakaupo (The long-overlooked construction workers who have been forgotten by those in power)," he said.

He was followed by another independent aspirant, Wilson Aclan, who refused to be interviewed.

Maria Charito Billones, a 66-year-old candle seller, was another senatorial aspirant. 

Asked what pushed her to run for the Senate, she said: "Ang bilangguan daw po ay hindi lamang para sa taong may mga kasalanan kundi pati doon na rin sa mga taong ayaw magtanggol sa katwiran (A jail cell is not just for those who have committed wrongdoings, but also for those who refuse to defend what is right)."

Senatorial hopeful Jerson Ares, an engineer, says that if he wins, he intends to build ships capable of disintegrating tropical storms. He formerly ran as barangay captain during the previous election, but lost.

Asked why he decided to run for senator, he said: "Ito po ay udyok ng Panginoong Diyos (God urged me to do this)."

Another aspirant, Primo Capuno Jr. refused to be interviewed.

Leodegario Estrella said that he was declared a nuisance candidate in his previous run due to his financial incapacity. He is hopeful that this time, he can push for his ideas on equality.

Rolando Plaza, popularly known as Rastaman, is making a comeback to run for senator. He expressed his angst against China and said that the Philippines should fight against it.

A former seaman Relly Jose, Jr., together with Richard Nicolas, also filed for senator. 

Sonny Matula tries luck for third time

Labor leader, lawyer Sonny Matula threw his hat once again in the senatorial race to continue his advocacy for a legislated wage increase, decent work, and full respect for workers' rights.

Matula and the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) are staunch advocates of the legislated wage increase nationwide bill amounting to P150.

"Walang tunay at mahusay na magsasalita para sa manggagawa maliban sa mga taong nagmumula sa mga manggagawa (There is no genuine or better speaker for the workers except those who come from the worker)," he said.

Ex-senator Leila De Lima; Kabataan Party-list seeks House seat

Former Senator Leila De Lima formalized her political comeback after filing the certificate of nomination-certificate of acceptance of nomination (CON-CAN) as the first nominee of ML Party-list.

De Lima said that her conviction remains unshaken, and that the Filipino people deserve better.

She also urged former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to surrender amid the issuance of an arrest order from the House of Representatives. She reminded him that he's a "man of law" and supposed to be a lawyer.

"Ako nga hinarap ko eh kahit gawa-gawang mga kaso eh. Hinarap ko yung batas (I faced it even though the cases were already made up. I faced it). I respected the rule of law. I went through the whole process even if it's so painful and tedious on my part. So dapat ganun kung wala kang kasalanan, wala kang tinatago, harapin mo nang buong tapang di yung nagtatapang-tapangan lang siya (If you're not at fault, and you're not hiding anything, you should face it and not just act tough)," she said.

Her latest political run, according to her, is part of rebuilding her life since she wanted to do more when she was a senator. However, this was cut short by her detention. 

Meanwhile, Kabataan Party-list filed their CON-CAN with Renee Co as its first nominee. They were accompanied by its incumbent representative, Raoul Manuel.

She stated that they would endorse an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. 

"Patuloy at clear po ang boses ng kabataan, clear ang kanilang manifestation, kung anong gusto nilang mangyari kay Sara Duterte. Gusto nila ng accountability (The youth's voice remains loud and clear, their manifestation is clear, and they're expressing what they want to happen to Sara Duterte. They're calling for accountability)," she said.

Other party-lists that filed were Kaunlad Pinoy, 1-Pacman, Toda Aksyon, Ako Bisaya, KM Ngayon Na, Mamayang Liberal, Solo Parents, Asap Na, Ayuda Para sa May Kapansanan, 4P's PL, Pilipinas Babangon Muli (PBBM), Maharlikang Pilipino Party and Dagat Party-list.