The 2025 midterm polls are set to shake the political landscape once again, with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) releasing the much-anticipated filing schedule for Certificates of Candidacy (COCs). Aspiring leaders across the nation have until November 9, 2024, to formalize their intentions to run for office.
Candidates eyeing positions from Congress down to local council seats will file their COCs between October 1 and 8, 2024. These positions span the breadth of the country’s political hierarchy—from members of Congress to governors, mayors, and councilors. Alongside COCs, aspirants must also submit Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) and lists of nominees, where applicable.
Candidates in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) can also file from November 4 to 9, 2024.
The 2025 midterms will serve as a critical test for both new and incumbent politicians. The political field has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, with voters becoming more discerning and less inclined to follow traditional patronage politics. Candidates will be compelled to present robust platforms to address pressing national issues, such as economic recovery, education reform, and infrastructure development.
In many regions, especially those affected by recent calamities and conflicts, local races are expected to be intense, with candidates focusing on grassroots mobilization and local development. For voters in these areas, the elections offer a chance to elect leaders who can bring about meaningful change.
Miru, a new provider for vote counting machines, has been selected to replace Smartmatic. The company is tasked with ensuring a more secure, accurate, and efficient vote tallying process, addressing previous concerns about transparency and system reliability. With this change, COMELEC aims to enhance voter confidence and improve the overall election experience. Many Filipinos are hopeful that Miru’s system will ensure legitimacy and be hack-free, in contrast to past controversies.
Miru’s technology promises to streamline the vote counting process, reducing delays and potential errors. Their machines are equipped with advanced security features to safeguard against tampering and cyber threats. This shift to a new provider highlights COMELEC’s commitment to modernizing the electoral system, ensuring a smoother and more credible election outcome, free from the issues that plagued previous elections.
As the political campaign season draws near, Filipinos are once again reminded of the critical role elections play in shaping the country’s future. The journey from filing COCs to election day on May 12, 2025, marks the beginning of what is sure to be an electrifying chapter in the nation’s history.