Celebs beat deadline to formalize 2013 bids

MANILA, Philippines -- Several showbiz personalities came out on Friday to beat the deadline for the filing of their certificate of candidacy (COC) for the upcoming 2013 midterm elections.

After holding several "barangay dialogues" with her potential constituents in September, feisty talent manager Annabelle Rama on Friday submitted her COC for a congressional seat representing the first district of Cebu.

She was accompanied by her husband, veteran actor Eddie Gutierrez, and their children Ruffa, Richard and Raymond. Also seen with Rama during her filing were Tonton and Ramoncito Gutierrez.

Incumbent Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, meanwhile, addressed her constituents in the province after a thanksgiving mass; she expressed her gratitude for their support throughout her term in office.

Accompanied by her husband Sen. Ralph Recto, Santos submitted her COC as a re-electionist. Seeking a political post in the same slate as the veteran actress' is Christopher de Leon, who also formalized his bid as congressman.

In Cavite, actor Jolo Revilla likewise made formal his plans to run as vice-governor. Along with Revilla, his mother, Rep. Lani Mercado submitted her COC as a re-electionist. The Kapamilya actor's uncle, Strike, also filed his candidacy as mayor of Bacoor.

Also beating the Friday deadline for COC-filing in Quezon City is actor-host Roderick Paulate, who is seeking re-election as councilor.

Other celebrities who formalized their plans in the 2013 polls are former actor Rey Malonzo, who is running for vice-mayor of Caloocan; action star Joko Diaz, for board member of the second district of Batangas; comedian-host Anjo Yllana, for Quezon City councilor; '70s crooner Victor Wood, for senator; and veteran singer Imelda Papin, for congresswoman of San Juan del Monte, Bulacan.

The COC of former Kapamilya star Aga Muhlach was also among the last-batch submissions to Comelec. Popularly known for his role as Doc Aga in the defunct sitcom "Oki Doki Doc," Muhlach has also formalized his bid for a seat in Congress, representing the fourth district of Camarines Sur. -- Report from Mario Dumaual, ABS-CBN News