By Ferdinand G. Patinio
(PNA) - Eight presidential and vice presidential candidates and 58 senatorial bets comprise the shortlist of aspirants in the May 10, 2010 elections.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo said that the list was just partial as they were still deliberating on the certificates of candidacy filed by more than 270 individuals.
The initial number of candidates for the highest position in the land are Senator Benigno Aquino III (Liberal Party); John Carlos delos Angeles (Ang Kapatiran); deposed President Joseph Ejercito Estrada (Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino); Senator Richard Gordon (Bagumbayan); Senator Maria Anna Consuelo Madrigal (Independent); Gilbert Teodoro (LAKAS-Kampi-NUCD); Bro. Eddie Villanueva (Bangon Pilipinas) and Senator Manuel Villar (Nacionalista Party).
For the vice-presidential race, eight candidates were also allowed to run, namely, Senator Manuel Roxas (LP); Dominador Chipeco (Ang Kapatiran); former Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay (PMP); former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando (Bagumbayan); Edu Manzano (LAKAS-Kampi-NUCD); broadcaster Jay Sonza (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) and former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Perfecto Yasay (Bangon Pilipinas).
Other well known personalities who have yet to get the nod of the poll body are environmentalist Nicanor Perlas, former Congressman Mark Jimenez, among others.
Melo said that those who were not included in the partial list have five days to file their verified opposition before the poll body.
He said that the commission expected that the number of senatorial candidates would still increase.
The Comelec chief also said the commission expected to release the final list of candidates for next year’s polls next week.
He said the commission needed to come up with the final list since they were scheduled to print the ballots early next month.
The partial list of senatorial candidates from PMP included JV Bautista, Jose “Joey†de Venecia 3rd, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Jose Apolinario Lozada.
The list of senatorial candidates also included Zafrullah Alonto, Kata Inocencio, Ramoncito Ocampo, Reynaldo Princesa, Alex Tinsay and Israel Virgines, all of Bangon Pilipinas; Henry Caunan and Gwendolyn Pimentel, both of PDP-Laban.
Other senatorial candidates included Rodolfo Plaza and Vicente “Tito†Sotto III from Nationalist People's Coalition; and Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago of People’s Reform Party.
Ang Kapatiran senatorial candidates included Rizalito David, Jo Aurea Imbong, Zosimo Paredes, Maria Gracia Riñoza-Plaza, Adrian Sison, Reginald Tamayo, Hector Tarrazona and Manuel Valdehuesa Jr.
Former senator Sergio Osmeña III and Partylist Congressman Jovito Palparan (BANTAY) are running as independent.
The Comelec also allowed Grand Alliance for Democracy candidate, former Senator Francisco Tatad and KBL candidates Shariff Ibrahim Albani, Alma Lood, Regalado Maambong, Ma. Judea Millora, Imelda Papin and Hector Villanueva to run for senators.
The application of Senator Pia Cayetano, former Congressman Ferdinand “Bongbong†Marcos Jr., Ramon Mitra, Susan “Toots†Ople, former Partylist Representatives Liza Maza (Gabriela), Saturnino Ocampo (BAYAN Muna), Ariel Querubin, Gilbert Remulla and Adel Tamano were also approved.
The administration party’s candidates Silvestre Bello III, Ramon “Bong†Revilla Jr., Ramon Guico Jr., Raul Lambino, Rey Langit and Manuel “Lito†Lapid were also allowed to join the senatorial race.
The LP's senatorial aspirants included in the list were Nereus Acosta, Ana Theresia Baraquel, Martin Bautista, Rufino Biazon, Franklin Drilon, Teofisto Guingona III, Alexander Lacson, Yasmin Lao, Ralph Recto and Sonia Roco.
The campaign period for the national position will start on Feb. 9, or 90 days before the scheduled polls. (PNA)
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