Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on Friday (October 16) at the Commission on Election’s (Comelec’s) office in Quezon City at around 10 a.m. He is seeking reelection.
He was accompanied by Vice Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte, and his brother Hero, who also filed his COC for councilor.
Should he win, it would be Bautista’s third consecutive and last term as Quezon City mayor. He was supposed to be included in the Liberal Party’s senatorial slate, but he backed out.
His reasons for backing out?
He wanted to focus on programs for Quezon City, including those related to providing electricity, housing, and education to residents.
Hundreds of supporters joined the mayor at the filing, expressing their support. There was even a band set-up.
Two rival candidates are going against Bautista are Martin Sanchez who filed his COCs on Thursday and the Philippine Green Republican Party’s Alexander Lague.
There are four candidates vying for the vice mayor’s post, including Belmonte, who filed her COC last Wednesday (October 15).
Around 50 aspirants for councilor filed their COCs, including Tates Gana — Bautista’s former partner and the mother of his two children.
Others who filed their COCs for councilors include Roderick Paulate, Anjo Yllana, Rep. Johnny Revilla of the OFW Family Club Partylist, and Councilor Franz Pumaren, a former basketball coach.
CNN Philippines’ Patricia de Leon contributed to this report.
