By Ferdinand Patinio
MANILA – At least 47 senatorial aspirants have been declared nuisance candidates.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) First and Second Divisions declared 47 of the 183 who filed their certificates of candidacy for the May 2025 midterm polls nuisance, the poll body said in a social media post on Saturday night.
“The number of aspirants declared as nuisance candidates for the elective position of senator (is at) 47 aspirants,” it said.
Declared as nuisance by the First Division were Patrick Artajo, Maria Charito Billones, Roel Pacquiao, Felipe Montealto, Rex Noel, Gerald Arcega, Salvador Cabalida, Elvis Beniga, Orlando de Guzman, Jonry Gargarita, Abel Adorable, Rolando Plaza, Randy Red, Getter Malinao, Jimmy Salapantan, Jacinto Bonayog, Shirly Cuatchin, Jefrey Andrino, Peter Advincula, Sunang Ditanongun, John Escobar, Eric Negapatan, Injim Bunayog, Froilan Serafico, Sixto Lagare, Princess Jade Ramos, Primo Capuno, Nheling Paliza, Jovilyn Aceron, Jerson Ares, Rodolfo Basilan, Melchor Lucañas, Martin Mendoza, Junbert Guigayuma, Alexander Encarnacion, Wilfredo Red, and Daniel Magtira.
Celeste Aguilar, Antonio Par, Eduardo Bautista, Miguelino Caturan, Ismael Bajo, Hernando Bruce, Joel Apolinario, Roberto Sembrano, Fernando Diaz and Omar Tomanong were declared nuisance by the Second Division.
The poll body said they may still appeal the ruling.
After the filing period on Oct. 1 to 8, a total of 66 were included in the partial list of official senatorial candidates. (PNA)