MAYORALTY ASPIRANT. Broadcast journalist Rene Ledesma of radio station DYRL shows his certificate of candidacy after filing at the Comelec-Dumaguete on Thursday (Oct. 7, 2021). He is running for mayor of the capital city as an independent. (Photo courtesy of Comelec-Dumaguete City) DUMAGUETE CITY - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here is gearing up to ensure a smooth, peaceful, and orderly last day of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) this Friday. Lawyer Ian Macaraya, city election officer, in an interview on Thursday said they are anticipating a bigger crowd on October 8, so they would be imposing tighter security measures. Since the local Comelec office has a small space, only the political aspirants would be allowed inside while their family and supporters will have to wait downstairs, he said. The office is located on the second floor of the building that houses the fruit and vegetable market here. Incumbent Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo and his candidates for vice
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte (File photo) MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, still have high hopes that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will consider the public's clamor for her to join the 2022 presidential race. "Pareho kami ni Presidente (The President and I have the same sentiment, and) that [is] we are hoping that Sara Duterte will still run for president," Roque said in a virtual presser on Thursday. Roque issued the statement, a day after Sara asked for public understanding as she rejected anew the calls for her to run for president next year. In a Facebook post, Sara said it "pains" her not to heed her supporters' call for her to gun for presidency but stressed that she is decided to finish her final term as mayor before seeking a higher post. Roque, however, said he and Duterte hoped that Sara would make a "right decision" with regard to her final political plans in 2022. "So, all we c