Abalos, Pacquiao, Revilla file COCs for senator

Benhur Abalos officially launched his senatorial bid yesterday by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and said he is deemed resigned as interior and local government chief.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

Abalos was accompanied by his father and namesake and now incumbent Mandaluyong mayor, along with two other members of their family when he submitted his COC.

While lagging in surveys, Abalos expressed belief he could still win because of his strack record in public service.

Abalos said he would rather ignore critics and bashers and remain focused on pursuing his goals. If elected, Abalos said he would pursue measures aimed at reducing the cost of electricity and those promoting job generation and agriculture.

Some incumbent and former senators, civic leaders and some familiar names also filed their COCs yesterday. Filing of COCS ends today.

Aiming for reelection under the administration slate, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. joined the long queue of COC filers yesterday.

He said he is seeking reelection as there is still much to be done. As a senator, Revilla said he had filed almost 2,000 bills and measures, of which 399 were enacted into laws.

Among the measures he intends to push if he gets elected again are lowering of retirement age of government workers and strengthening of the agricultural industry.

Fellow administration candidate and former senator Manny Pacquiao also filed his COC, accompanied by wife Jinkee. The boxing legend said he decided to rejoin the chamber to continue his fight against corruption.

Pacquiao said that while many elective officials have used their positions to enrich themselves, his own record was of being a warrior against corruption.

Concerning his son's decision to run, Pacquiao said there is no law against political dynasty and that anyone can run for election as long as they are qualified.

Gringo, Lorenzana

Former senator Gregorio Honasan said he wished to make a Senate comeback to "make a difference" and continue unfinished reforms.