5 more added to list of senatorial candidates for 2013 polls

Five more will be added to the list of 27 senatorial candidates who will run in next year’s midterm elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said Wednesday.

This was after the Comelec approved the certificates of candidacy of two independent candidates and three others who have political parties.

Brillantes, however, refused to identify the latest additions to the list, saying they would release the final list on Monday.

A total of 84 senatorial hopefuls filed their COCs early October.

The commission has held a hearing on Thursday and Friday last week for the 57 candidates to defend their candidacies. Of the number, 21 did not show up.

Many of the hopefuls who defended their candidacies last week — including one who claimed to be married to President Benigno Aquino III’s sister Kris Aquino, and one who said his job is suing erring government officials and businessmen — were earlier described “colorful” by Brillantes. — Marc Jayson Cayabyab/KBK, GMA News