Ex-Defense chief Gonzales files COC for president in Eleksyon 2022

Former Defense secretary Norberto Gonzales on Wednesday filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for president in the 2022 elections.

Gonzales, who also served as National Security Adviser under the Arroyo administration, will run under the Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (PDSP).

In a brief speech, Gonzales said he aims to change the "rotten" political system in the country, citing his almost decade-long stint in the government.

"Sa akin pong karanasan na halos isang dekada na paglilingkod sa goberyno, nakita ko po ang pagiging importante ng pulitika at uri ng pulitiko na magpapatakbo ng bayan natin," he said.

(In my almost a decade in government service, I saw how important it is the kind of politics and politicians we have.)

"Nakikita ko naman po na maraming sasama sa akin na iikot sa bansa at sasabihin na sa palagay ko panahon na para baguhin natin ang bulok na pamumulika sa bayan natin."

(I can see that many will join me in going across the country and saying that it's time to change the rotten politics in our country.)

Gonzales, who described himself as a social democrat, said there may be a need to amend the country's Charter in order to change the old political system. 

Saying there is much to be improved in the Duterte administration's COVID-19 response, Gonzales said he wants to see scientists and members of the medical community "to be given the upper hand."

"Give the direction dun sa nakakaintindi," he said.  —KBK, GMA News