MANILA — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto have officially filed their certificates of candidacy for re-election, marking the first day of submissions for the 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines.
Belmonte and Sotto, who have been a tandem since 2019, are now vying for their third consecutive terms in office, leading the nation’s wealthiest and most populous city.
Reflecting on her tenure, Belmonte remarked on the challenges of her first term due to the pandemic. “The first term was a pandemic term, so I’m hoping that without a pandemic, all our plans can proceed smoothly,” she told reporters.
Addressing rumors of a potential uncontested run for mayor, Belmonte expressed optimism: “If I will run uncontested, I will be very, very happy, and this is through the grace and glory of God.”
Belmonte said if re-elected, her third term will prioritize social services, focusing on health, housing, and environmental issues. She also aims to make Quezon City more business-friendly to generate jobs and improve the lives of low-income residents.
Sotto, meanwhile, emphasized his legislative goals for his potential next term as vice mayor, saying his focus will be on family protection. “Protecting families is key to strengthening our nation, and this is something we must focus on throughout the Philippines,” Sotto said. His goals include protection from abuse, discrimination, and various forms of violence.
Both Belmonte and Sotto come from prominent political families. Belmonte is the daughter of former House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, while Sotto is the son of former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who is expected to make another Senate bid in 2025.