On the sidelines at COC filing venue
Commission on Elections. INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The sidelines of the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 midterm elections can be marked by those who are making ends meet.
One of them is Danilo Estrella who has been selling water and other refreshments for seven years now. In the next coming days, you would find him and his mini stall stationed near Manila Hotel Tent, where the filing of COC for aspirants of the national posts takes place.
When the rain poured, he was in a yellow raincoat standing beside his mini stall.
“Umulan, bumagyo, dito pa rin (I will still be here even if it rains.),” he said.
READ: Election season kicks off: Familiar, new faces appear to file candidacy
When asked what he is hoping for as the filing of COC happens for the next seven days, Estrella said that he is looking forward to selling more of his products.
“Sana bumenta ako. Gusto kong dumaing sa tumatakbo. Hihingi sana akong dagdag puhunan (I hope I sell a lot [of my products.] I want to ask for help from the aspirants. I want to ask for additional capital.),” Estrella answered.
Estrella also shared that he takes home P1,500 profit sometimes. On some days, it’s P700.
According to the 62-year-old refreshment vendor, his profit mostly goes to his medicines.
“’Yun pambili ko ng gamot. ’Yung paa ko, tapos highblood pa ako (I buy medicines. My feet, and I am also suffer from high blood pressure.),” he added.
Meanwhile, Estrella shared how he felt upon witnessing the fiesta atmosphere of the supporters of some aspirants who filed their COC earlier.
READ: Rep. Wilbert Lee’s supporters brave rains on first day of COC filing
“Masaya. Nakikita ko silang nagsisigawan (I am happy. I can see them shouting.),” he expressed.
He also said that some of the supporters bought refreshments from him. He is planning to sell more products like chips and biscuits in the coming days.
The filing of COC for the 2025 national and local elections will be held on October 1-8, 2024.
