Tolentino 1st in Alyansa to file COC

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Tolentino is the first of the seven reelectionist senators who filed a certificate of candidacy yesterday in Manila, the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) delegated place for senatorial aspirants who want to submit their COCs.

He said yesterday in an interview with reporters that he will focus on the continuity of his platform focusing on foreign policy should he win again as senator.

He highlighted his alignment with the administration of President Marcos and the shared goal of strengthening diplomatic relations to benefit the country.

“We need to engage with multiple countries… and work diplomatically to achieve both our security and economic objectives,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino described the filing process as seamless and efficient, stating that it was fast.

“They guided us where to go and there was a question-and-answer portion as well,” he said.

In his message to the public, Tolentino urged voters to take the 2025 elections seriously, stressing the importance of scrutinizing candidates thoroughly.

“I ask the public to really utilize this fundamental exercise, vote wisely and pray before casting your vote. Let’s study the background of the people we are electing,” he advised.

Tolentino is one of the senatorial bets under President Marcos’ Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee was the very first aspirant to file his COC at the Comelec.

Lee submitted his COC as soon as the Comelec opened the door at 8 a.m. yesterday for the first day of COC filing for all those running in the May 2025 national and local elections.

The party-list representative from Sorsogon said he would be running for senator along with internet personality and 2022 vice presidential candidate Dr. Willie Ong under the political party Aksyon Demokratiko.

Lee said he has decided to run for senator with the belief that he could serve the people better than just being in Congress. If elected, he will push for affordable food and accessible medical care for all Filipinos.

Hours before the start of the filing of COC, Lee’s supporters braved the heavy rain and came to the Manila Hotel, which served as the venue for filing