The race for key local positions in the upcoming midterm elections has officially begun, with candidates filing their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) starting on October 1.
Aspirants for gubernatorial, mayoral, and vice-mayoral posts in various provinces are now preparing for the electoral contest next year.
Below is the current list of candidates who have submitted their COC as of October 4:
Governor
- Albay: Incumbent 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, Former Governor Noel Rosal
- Batangas: Former 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
- Benguet: Incumbent Vice Governor Johnny Waguis
- Cagayan: Incumbent Vice Governor Melvin Vargas Jr., Zarah Lara
- Camarines Sur: Incumbent 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte
- Quezon: Incumbent Governor Angelina Tan
- Negros Oriental: Former Governor Henry Pryde Teves
Vice Governor
- Batangas: Luis Manzano
- Benguet: Former Vice Governor Nelson Dangwa
- Camarines Sur: Sal Fortuno
- Quezon: Incumbent Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III
Mayor
- Albuera, Leyte: Kerwin Espinosa
- Cebu City: Suspended Mayor Michael Rama
- Legazpi City: Geraldine Rosal
- Mandaue City: Suspended Mayor Jonas Cortes
- Minglanilla, Cebu Province: Incumbent Mayor Rajiv Enad
- New Bataan, Davao de Oro: Bianca Cualing-Brua
- Ormoc City: Incumbent Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez
Vice Mayor
- Cebu City: Incumbent Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros
- Minglanilla, Cebu Province: Incumbent Vice Mayor Elanito Peña
- New Bataan, Davao de Oro: Ipang Digaynon
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), a total of 18,280 positions will be contested, including the following available seats in local elections:
- Governor: 82
- Vice Governor: 82
- City Mayor: 149
- City Vice Mayor: 149
- Municipal Mayor: 1,493
- Municipal Vice Mayor: 1,493