It’s that time of the year again—no, not Christmas. It’s something almost as exciting, just with fewer lights and more paperwork: the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for public office in the Philippines. It’s the season when everyone—from your neighbor’s tricycle driver to that tita who insists you call her "madame"—seems to be gearing up to throw their hats (or in some cases, wigs) into the political ring.
So far, this year’s COC filing brought out a colorful cast of characters, as usual. We’ve got the usual suspects—long-time politicians who have more campaigns under their belts than karaoke songs—but we’ve also got some fresh faces ready to throw down in the 2025 elections. Some personalities have even caused a stir.
We’re talking here about midterm elections, so no president or vice president on the ballot. Instead, it's all about our local leaders and legislators. Senators, congressmen, governors, board members, mayors, and councilors will be the stars of this election season—plus, of course, the never-ending political dramas that follow.
For those thinking, “Hey, I can do that too!”—let's run through the basic requirements. I mean, it’s always good to know what’s needed before you start practicing your campaign jingle in the shower or printing those “Vote for Me” T-shirts (which, let’s be honest, will probably end up being worn as pambahay after the elections).
For starters, you MUST be a natural-born Filipino citizen if you plan to run for Senator, or as a District or Party-list Congressman; and at least a Filipino citizen for local government positions. This is pretty much a no-brainer. It’s tough to get people to trust you to represent them if you’re not even from here. Sure, you might have a fancy green card or even spent your childhood growing up on a remote farm, but if you're aiming for public office, your heart (and your passport) better be bleeding red, white, blue, and yellow!
Second, age matters. For those running for Senator, you must be at least 35 years old. A good age to be wise but not wise enough to avoid politics altogether. For Congressman, one must at least be 25 years old. At this age, you're young enough to care, but old enough to have moved on from debating with your parents about your curfew.
23 years old for Governor, Vice-Governor, Member of Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Mayor, Vice- Mayor, Sangguniang Panglungsod in highly urbanized cities; while at least 21 years old for the said officials in component cities and municipalities; at least 18 years old for
members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod or Sangguniang Bayan.
Enough time to build some street cred and understand local issues, but still young enough to be passionate, idealistic, (and hopeful).
Third, you must be a registered voter. If you're not registered to vote, why are you even here? This is like trying to host a potluck without bringing food. To run for office, you need
to be part of the very process you’re hoping to improve. Bonus points if you know how to spell "precinct."
Fourth, you must be able to read and write. It’s a good thing our laws aren’t too strict on the level of reading material. So, while reading Shakespeare or law books isn’t a requirement, you at least need to be able to handle your own campaign slogan— hopefully, it’s something better than “Laban lang.”
Fifth, you must be able to satisfy the residency requirements. You have to have lived in the area you’re running for at least a year before the elections. No, you can’t just suddenly rent a condo the week before filing and claim you're a true “local.” Your neighbors need to at least know your name, or at least your face, before they decide to put it on a poster.
But granted that you meet all of the aforementioned requirements, keep in mind that filing is not the finish line. Here’s where we need to be the voice of reason. Echoing the sentiments of my good friend Alan German that just because you’ve filed your COC, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re in the clear to start campaigning and collecting votes. Filing is just the first hurdle. Your candidacy can still be scrutinized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Candidates who don’t meet the requirements—such as residency issues, incomplete paperwork, or legal entanglements—could be disqualified. Let’s also not forget about “nuisance candidates,” those folks who might be running just to confuse voters or make a mockery of the process. COMELEC has a system in place to weed those out. Plus, there are still election laws to follow during the campaign period. Violating any of these can result in disqualification faster than you can say, "platform.”
So, while filing your CoC might feel like securing a ticket to the political race, it’s more like getting a seat on a roller coaster with many twists, turns, and surprises. Only those who can hold on tightly (and follow the rules) will make it to the end.
Now that we've covered the essentials, remember that running for office isn’t just about waving at people from a jeep, dancing to the latest Bini song, and handing out flyers with your most photogenic headshot. It’s about service, dedication, and yes, surviving the grueling campaign season—where handshakes, selfies, and lechon are the weapons of choice.
So, are you ready to run? Or perhaps it’s better to enjoy the show from the sidelines. After all, politics in the Philippines is the greatest telenovela of all. You just might need some popcorn—extra butter, please!
Until next time, keep juxtaposing!
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About the Author
John Paul P. Nabua stands out in the legal landscape with an impressive 15-year tenure that showcases his depth of knowledge and unwavering dedication to the law. As the visionary founder of Nabua Law Office, he has steered his firm to become a beacon of legal excellence, recognized for its unparalleled commitment to providing bespoke legal solutions.
Under his astute leadership, Nabua Law Office has blossomed into a premier legal haven, revered not only for its comprehensive suite of services but also for its innovative approach to addressing complex legal challenges. The firm's adept team of legal professionals brings to the table a wealth of experience and a shared dedication to achieving excellence in every endeavor.
Specializing in a diverse array of legal disciplines, including corporate law, government procurement, and transportation law, Atty. Nabua and his team are committed to delivering strategic counsel and customized advice that aligns with the unique needs of their clientele. His forward-thinking leadership and the firm's collective expertise ensure that Nabua Law Office remains at the forefront of the legal field, continually setting new standards for quality and service in the industry.
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