Construction worker, candle vendor among early birds on Day 5 of COC filing

Construction worker Warlito Bovier (left) was the first to lodge his COC for the 2025 elections. Candle vendor Maria Charito Billiones (right) was the third aspirant to file her COC. INQUIRER.net/John Eric Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines — A construction worker and a candle vendor were the early birds for the fifth day of candidacy filing for the midterm elections on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Manila Hotel Tent City.

Warlito Bovier, who was the first to file his certificate of candidacy (COC), said he decided to run for senator to fight for the welfare of his fellow “skilled” construction workers like plumbers and electricians.

“Our skilled [construction workers] are neglected, while the laborers are included in the minimum wage, unlike the skilled ones,” he said in Filipino.

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If elected, Bovier said he would fight for a salary increase for his fellow construction workers.

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Meanwhile, candle vendor Maria Charito Billiones was the third to file her COC for Senator.

Billiones said she was qualified to run because she was “confident,” “family-oriented,” and “ready to help.”

She also vowed to fight for the separation of church and state.

Both Bovier and Billiones are first-timers in their attempt to run for a national post.

Meanwhile, the second COC filer, an army reservist called Wilson Aclan, did not go up to the podium for an interview.