Loren Legarda, Senate aspirant, first to file COC for Eleksyon 2022

Deputy Speaker and Antique Representative Loren Legarda on Friday became the first to file her certificate of candidacy (COC) for those seeking national posts in the 2022 elections.

Legarda, who is eyeing a return to the Senate in 2022, filed her COC a little over 8 a.m., the official start of the filing. She will be running under the Nationalist People's Coalition.

"I believe that with my vast experience as a former majority leader and as a senator for three terms I've been able to craft the laws that are helping our people right now," Legarda said in a short speech after she filed her COC.

"There is much more I can give to the people especially during this pandemic," she added.

In a separate statement, she expressed confidence that with her political experiences, she would be able to help in solving the twin crisis of pandemic as well as the climate crisis.

"Our pandemic recovery should respond to the health needs of our people and on our economic recovery and should be attuned to the climate pathway as we are also dealing with the climate crisis," Legarda said.

"More jobs and livelihood, quality education, efficient healthcare system, stronger environmental protection and cultural preservation – these are what I have always championed since I was first elected Senator in 1998 and these are what I will continue to prioritize, given a fresh start in the Senate in 2022."

The filing of COC for national posts — scaled down this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic — is being held at the Harbor Garden Tent inside the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila compound in Pasay City. —with Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News