Comelec releases partial list of 66 senatorial bets

A total of 66 candidates were included in the partial list of senatorial bets for the May 2025 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday. (Arianne Lacanilao/PCI Photo)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – A total of 66 candidates were included in the partial list of senatorial bets for the May 2025 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday.

In a resolution, the Commission en banc has approved the recommendation of its Law Department on the initial list of names of aspirants for senator.

In the list of senatorial aspirants are the 11 members of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Marcos administration – former interior secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Pia Cayetano, former senator Panfilo Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, former senator Manny Pacquiao, Senator Bong Revilla, former Senate president Vicente Sotto III, Senator Francis Tolentino, ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Also in the list are former senator Bam Aquino, former national security adviser Norberto Gonzales, former senator Gringo Honasan, SAGIP party-list Rep Rodante Marcoleta, AGRI party-list Rep Wilbert Lee, Senator Imee Marcos, former Commission on Audit commissioner Heidi Mendoza, Dr. Willie Ong, former senator Francis Pangilinan, retired Marine officer Ariel Querubin, TV host Willie Revillame, former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, broadcaster Ben Tulfo, as well as labor leaders Sonny Matula, Luke Espiritu, and Leody de Guzman.

Other candidates who made it to the partial list are known allies of former president Rodrigo Duterte – singer-turned-lawyer James Bondoc, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, Senator Bong Go, former Marcos Jr. executive secretary Victor Rodriguez, actor Phillip Salvador, Jesus Hinlo, Raul Lambino, and detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy.

The Makabayan Coalition’s senatorial slate included in the list are registered nurse Jocelyn Andamo, PISTON leader Mody Floranda, Kadamay Secretary General Mimi Doringo, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, Kilusang Mayo Uno secretary general Jerome Adonis, Pamalakaya vice chairperson Ronnel Arambulo, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chair Danilo Ramos, former Gabriela Rep. Liza Maza, former Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño, and Sandugo Co-chairperson Almirah Lidasan.

Other candidates who made it to the list are Wilson Amad, Ernesto Arellano, Roberto Ballon, Bonifacio Bosita, Roy Cabognero, Allen Capuyan, Angelo de Alban, David D’Angelo, Arnel Escobal, Marc Gamboa, Relly Jose, Norman Marquez, Eric Martinez, Richard Mata, Jose Montemayor, Jose Olivar, Nur Ana Sahidulla, Michael Tapado, Mario Valbuena, and Leandro Verceles.

According to the Comelec’s Law Department, it has conducted thorough evaluation of the names of COC filers immediately after the COC filing period ended on Oct. 8.

“This department conducted a very careful evaluation of the aspirants, which includes research of their background, affiliations, advocacies, platforms of government, general appearance and presence in the public, media, and Internet, and behavioral actions,” it said.

At the same time, the poll body directed the Law Department to initiate the motu proprio filing of petitions to declare as nuisance candidates against 117 other aspirants.

It also ordered the Office of the Clerk of the Commission to immediately docket and raffle the 117 motu proprio petitions to declare nuisance candidates that will be filed by the Law Department to the appropriate Division of the Commission for its immediate resolution.

A total of 184 individuals filed their COCs for senator at the Manila Hotel Tent City from Oct. 1 to 8.

This decreased to 183 after former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana withdrew from the race.