Belmonte seeks last term as QC mayor

Metro Manila, Philippines – Joy Belmonte has sought a final term as mayor of Quezon City in filing her certificate of candidacy on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Belmonte was with her reelectionist running mate Vice Mayor Gian Sotto - son of former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who is a senatorial aspirant.

Joy’s father - former House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte - was also present.

In a chance interview, Belmonte said health, shelter, and environment initiatives will be her key priorities should she secure another term.

“Being a business friendly city para dumami ang jobs para sa mamamayan natin. Pero para sa akin i-uplift lang natin ang buhay ng mas mahihirap,” she said.

[Translation: We will continue to be a business friendly city to generate more jobs for our citizens. I want to uplift the lives of the poor.]

Belmonte said it is not a sure win yet for their tandem amid rumors they have no contenders.

In 2022, then-Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor challenged Belmonte’s reelection bid but lost by a wide margin.

“If I run uncontested, I will be very very happy. And this is to the grace and glory of God,” the mayor said.