Windows26: Weekend Roundup: Alice Guo ‘to run’ for mayor, Enrile cleared of plunder, and COC filing week

Hello, reader!

This week, we covered the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 elections, Alice Guo's possible reelection bid, and the acquittal of former Sen. Enrile in his plunder case.

This is your Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

VOTE PH 2025

Filing of COCs

Election season officially kicked off on Tuesday, Oct. 1, with the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm polls. Aspiring candidates have until Oct. 8 to submit their COCs and other required documents, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

On the first day, reelectionist Sen. Francis Tolentino was among the first to file his COC at the Manila Hotel Tent City. Meanwhile, Bayan Muna was one of the first to submit their certificate of nomination and acceptance (Cona) for party-list representatives.

On day two, former senators Tito Sotto and Ping Lacson made their candidacies official, along with reelectionist senators Imee Marcos and Lito Lapid. Magdalo party-list also submitted their Cona, with Gary Alejano as their first nominee.

Duterte-allied reelectionist senators Bong Go and Bato dela Rosa, along with actor Phillip Salvador, filed their COCs on the third day. Liza Ong, wife of cancer-stricken Willie Ong, submitted his certificate of candidacy on his behalf.

Makabayan candidates formalized their 11-man slate on day four of filing, alongside other progressives like Leody de Guzman and Luke Espiritu. Scions of political families, including Camille Villar and Abby Binay, have also entered the Senate race.

More aspiring candidates are expected to file their COCs today, Oct. 5 until next Tuesday. Visit our VotePH page and be updated with the latest election developments, learn about your candidates, and track important dates.

EXPLAINER

What is a COC?

In every election, candidates must file a certificate of candidacy (COC) before running for public office, but what does it entail? For starters, filing a COC is the first step in the country's election process as it formalizes a person's intent to run for public office. Read more about its relevance in this explainer by Zacarian Sarao.

INQFOCUS

Impeaching the VP

Amid controversies surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte's behavior at recent budget hearings, where she was criticized for acting like a "spoiled brat," she now faces another challenge as a progressive group prepares to push her impeachment. Here's Cristina Eloisa Baclig's explainer on what happens when the VP is impeached.

ON MY RADAR

Must-reads