The Commission on Elections yesterday released the initial list of senatorial candidates and party-list organizations for the midterm elections on May 13.
There are 76 candidates for senator in the list. However, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that 13 names on the list might still be dropped from the roster.
“Note that there are 13 names included in this list which are still pending finality. Should a Certificate of Finality be issued, these 13 names will be stricken off the list,” said Jimenez.
The senatorial aspirants with pending Certificates of Finality were Albert Alba, Ernesto Ansula, Hussayin Arpa, Rizalito David, Angelo de Alban, Alexander Encarnacion, Geremy Geroy, William Iliw Iliw, Josefa Javelona, Norman Marquez, Rolando Merona, Frank Naval, and Eric Negapatan.
Some of the “big” names in the list were incumbent and former senators Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Nancy Binay, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Cynthia Villar, Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel, Grace Poe, Juan Ponce Enrile, and Jinggoy Estrada. Also included were former Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” M. dela Rosa and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, among others.
There are 181 party-list organizations listed. Jimenez noted that the list for party-list organizations is also still not final.
In preparation for the national and local elections, the Comelec conducted mock elections in 60 polling places nationwide last Jan. 19.
During the conduct of the activity, Jimenez said that the poll body is 90 percent ready for the elections. (Analou de Vera)