Space ambassador, Lucifer among Philippines’ presidential hopefuls
Sen. Grace Poe and running mate Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero show off their certificates of candidacy for next year’s presidential elections on Thursday.
An “intergalactic space ambassador,” a man who believes he is Lucifer and a retired policeman who just wants his pension have announced bids for the Philippine presidency.
So-called “nuisance” candidates are a staple of the Southeast Asian nation’s chaotic democracy, and dozens have again emerged during this week’s registration period for next year’s presidential elections.
Among them is Allan Carreon, who turned up at election headquarters in Manila with his title of “intergalactic space ambassador” emblazoned on his shirt and advising voters he was receiving wise counsel from aliens.
“The aliens have given me the will to run for president,” Carreon told reporters.
One of his potential rivals is the heavily bearded Romeo John Ygonia who said he preferred to be called “Archangel Lucifer,” adding that he was running on the orders of his “master.”
Only three are regarded as genuine contenders — the ruling Liberal Party’s Mar Roxas, opposition leader Jejomar Binay and independent Grace Poe.
President Benigno Aquino III attended Mass with Roxas along with party mate Rep. Leni Robredo, who is running for vice president, at the Manila Cathedral before they filed their candidacy papers at the nearby Commission on Elections.
Roxas said he and Robredo are confident the people will choose them to continue Aquino’s “straight path” that shuns corruption.
“This is about the dream of all Filipino families to live a life of dignity, to rise up through hard work and to live with a future filled with opportunities,” Roxas told reporters.
Poe, the adopted daughter of a famous movie couple, filed her candidacy later Thursday with political ally Sen. Francis Escudero, who is running for vice president. Poe, who lived and worked for years in the United States and once had dual Philippine and American citizenship, has been leading in popularity polls but faces questions about her citizenship.
She said Aquino had made big strides in battling corruption. “But there should be more programs for the needy so all of us can rise together at the same time,” she said.
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