COC filing day 2 in the regions: ‘Rigo’ Duterte, reelectionists file candidacies

CEBU, Philippines – The son of Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) in Davao City as incumbents across the regions gradually filled the local Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices on Wednesday, October 2.

Rigo is the first in the Duterte family to announce a bid for the 2025 Philippine elections.

He will be seeking the councilor post of the first district of Davao City under the banner of the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod (HTL).

The young Duterte is the namesake of the former president, his grandfather Rodrigo Duterte. Rigo is also the second son of Paolo.

The congressman, his siblings, and the clan patriarch are still mum about their plans for the upcoming national elections.

Reelectionists in regions

In the Visayas, only a handful of the local Comelec offices were filled by aspirants seeking positions in the government — most of them occupied by reelectionists.

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone filed his COC, together with other incumbent officials, on the second day of candidacy filing.

Evardone is seeking a third consecutive term as governor of Eastern Samar. 

He was governor of Eastern Samar for two terms from 2004 to 2010. The governor then became the Eastern Samar lone district representative for three terms until 2019. 

Meanwhile, Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez filed his COC for reelection. His wife, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez, also filed her COC.

Both husband and wife are seeking a second term for their respective positions in government.

In Luzon, Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. filed his COC under the Sulong Zambales party. 

He is seeking a third term as governor.

Ebdane was joined by his wife, Alma, as well as Zambales Vice Governor Jaq Khonghun and 2nd District Representative Doris Maniquiz, who have yet to file their own COCs. – Rappler.com