Photo credit: Team Pacquiao via PTV

The race is heating up as more familiar names and new faces enter the political arena. Day 5 of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) turned out to be full of surprises and interesting moments.

One of the headline-makers today was veteran journalist Ben Tulfo, who officially threw his hat into the ring for a Senate seat. If he wins, Ben will join his brother, Senator Raffy Tulfo, in the Upper Chamber. Ben expressed that having more than one Tulfo in the Senate would mean a more powerful and united force in serving the public.

Over in Marikina, incumbent Mayor Marcy Teodoro is looking to make a comeback—but this time, he’s aiming for a seat in the House of Representatives to represent Marikina's 1st District. After years of serving as mayor, Teodoro hopes to continue advocating for his beloved city on a national level.

Meanwhile, it seems the Pacquiao family is not stepping out of the limelight anytime soon. The 22-year-old son of boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao, Michael, made his political debut today by filing his COC for councilor of General Santos City under the People Champ Movement party. With his parents by his side, the young rapper, singer, and entrepreneur is ready to venture into public service.

And in Pampanga, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is seeking reelection as the second district representative of Pampanga. This marks another chapter in her lengthy political career, as she continues her bid to stay relevant in Philippine politics.

Kabataan Party-list also made their move, with Atty. Renee Co, a former student regent of the University of the Philippines, serving as their first nominee. Alongside them, two other labor-focused party-lists—Aktibong Kaagabay and Construction Workers Solidarity Party-list—submitted their COCs today, emphasizing the importance of labor representation in Congress.

Another familiar face in Naga City is Fortunato “Tato” Mendoza, who filed his COC for vice mayor. Mendoza previously ran for Naga mayor in the 2022 elections, but this time, he’s switching gears for a vice mayoral bid.

Aside from these well-known personalities, Bishop Rod Cubos made an appearance in Davao City as he filed his COC for mayor, while Jerson Ares, an OFW and engineer, joined the senatorial race with hopes of bringing fresh perspective and experience to the national stage.

Relly Jose Jr. and Richard Nicolas from the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) filed their COCs for a Senate seat. Not too far behind, labor leader Atty. Sonny Matula is also making a run for the Senate, hoping to champion labor issues on a larger stage.

Over in Pasig, Mayor Vico Sotto shared a heartfelt message after filing his COC. He was accompanied by his parents, who have always been by his side. He also expressed his gratitude towards Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, calling him not just skilled but principled, and thanking their entire support system, including Mikee Cojuangco and Cong. Roman Romulo. Mayor Vico's focus remains clear—good governance and the hope that his term will leave Pasig better for the next generation.

Meanwhile, in Lobo, Batangas, former mayor Lota Manalo is also vying for a comeback despite facing disqualification from the Ombudsman. Manalo, who was removed from office days before the COC filing, is seeking to appeal the decision, determined to fight back alongside her legal counsel, Atty. Romulo Macalintal.

Over in Biñan City, Mayor Armand Dimaguila Jr. has filed his COC for congressman of the city's lone district, while Vice Mayor Gel Alonte is eyeing the mayoral seat.

In the Senate race, Rolando Plaza, popularly known as "Rastaman," also joined the fray, adding a colorful character to the list of senatorial hopefuls.

Several other familiar names made their bids in other cities as well. In Parañaque, Barangay Baclaran Chairman Jun Zaide is giving the mayoral race another shot after his previous attempt in 2022. Similarly, Bingbong Crisologo hopes to represent Quezon City’s 1st District once again, while Trisha Bonoan-David seeks to return as Manila’s 4th District representative. In Caloocan, former mayor Rey Malonzo has filed his COC for 1st District representative, with his son PJ Malonzo gunning for vice mayor.

Reelectionist Muntinlupa Rep. Jaime Fresnedi is looking for another term and promises to focus on education if re-elected.

On the party-list front, the fifth day saw several groups making their bids. Former Senator Leila de Lima filed her COC as the first nominee of the Mamamayang Liberal Partylist, joined by Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada. Notable party-list groups like ANGKASANGGA, DAGAT, BTS, Pilipinas Babangon Muli, and Bida Katagumpay also made their moves, each with unique advocacies, from agriculture to labor, aiming to secure a seat in the House.

A few special-interest groups also made an appearance, such as the Solo Parent Party-list, led by Jeremy Marquez, and the Ayuda sa May Kapansanan Party-list, whose first nominee is Atty. Sittie Uy-Oyod. Even the 1-Pacman Party-list made their presence felt with Milkee Romero leading the charge.