As the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) draw closer, more than 3,500 candidates have filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) in Central Luzon, signaling an intense and highly contested electoral race across the region. The candidates’ filings break down by province as follows: Aurora – 185, Bataan – 243, Bulacan – 731, Nueva Ecija – 832, Pampanga – 598, Tarlac – 565, and Zambales – 392. With over 7.7 million registered voters in the region, the stakes are high as voters prepare to make their voices heard. Registered voters by province are: Aurora – 158,259, Bataan – 588,197, Bulacan – 2,183,281, Nueva Ecija – 1,625,351, Pampanga – 1,682,684, Tarlac – 940,701, and Zambales – 554,981.
During the 23rd episode of Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on November 5, 2024, Atty. Numer Lobo, Regional Election Attorney for Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Central Luzon, discussed the significant challenges facing the upcoming elections. “The 2025 elections in Central Luzon are shaping up to be a highly competitive and closely watched event. Our primary focus remains on ensuring a secure, free, and fair electoral process, while also addressing the critical issues of vote-buying, political violence, and other electoral fraud,” said Atty. Lobo.
Lobo emphasized that the success of the elections will depend not only on the readiness of COMELEC and security forces but also on the widespread dissemination of accurate and timely information. “A well-informed electorate is essential for a credible election,” Lobo stressed. “We are prepared and committed to providing voters with the resources they need to make informed decisions, and we’re working closely with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and media outlets to ensure that accurate election-related information reaches every corner of the region.”
Over 80,000 public school teachers to undergo trainings and to serve as board election inspectors (BEIs) and support staff in the established precincts.
In partnership with PIA and various media organizations, COMELEC is ramping up its efforts to deliver clear, comprehensive, and timely information to the public. “It is critical that voters know how, when, and where to vote, and that they are equipped with the facts to safeguard the integrity of the election process,” said PIA Regional Director William Beltran. He further added, “PIA is fully committed to ensuring massive and effective information dissemination. Together with our media partners, we are making every effort to ensure that no voter is left uninformed.”
Beltran also highlighted the role of local media outlets in reaching communities that may be difficult to access otherwise. “From local radio broadcasts to social media platforms, our combined efforts are key in ensuring that voters across Central Luzon have access to the information they need,” he said.
The Kapihan was also facilitated by PIA Deputy RD Carlo Lorenzo Datu, Information Officer Jay Lyra Costamero, and Media Productions Officer Aldrin Joshua Mallari, who underscored the importance of collaboration with media partners to ensure transparent, accessible, and widespread communication throughout the election period.
For more updates and reliable information, Atty. Lobo encouraged the public to subscribe and stay connected to official COMELEC website and FB Page.