GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Filtered By: Topstories
News
DAY 2 OF COC FILING
'Archangel Lucifer,' intergalactic space ambassador want to be president
Aspirant Ygonia, alias Archangel Lucifer. Rose-An Jessica Dioquino
Sporting long, black, rather unkempt hair and a full beard, a man who introduced himself as Archangel Lucifer stood at the gate of the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila on Tuesday morning to file his certificate of candidacy for president.
"Lucifer" is Romeo John Ygonia of Benguet, a 51-year-old volunteer missionary. He was one of the first two presidential aspirants at the Commission on Elections' main office for the second day of filing.
After submitting his COC, Ygonia spoke with such conviction before the media, saying he was "sent and chosen" by God for this endeavor.
Aspirant Ygonia, alias Archangel Lucifer, says he was sent for this by the divine. pic.twitter.com/Pj9z69JfJb
— R-A. Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) October 13, 2015 He also pointed out that everyone is "gifted" by God and must use that to serve in return.
"Kung wala kayong pera, puwede po kayong manilbihan -- 'yung time n'yo -- at [kapag] nagamit po ninyo 'yung kamay n'yo, 'yung regalong 'yan, 'yung buhay n'yong 'yan... kayo po ay makakapagsilbi," he said.
Preaching before media, he ended his speech invoking the grace of God. Some of the media personnel in the area, in turn, said, "Amen!" with him before he stepped down the stage.
Too young, won't speak
During a lull in the afternoon, ollowing the frenzy from the filing of vice presidential aspirant Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., a young man named Michael Arqueza presented himself before the media quietly.
But unlike other lesser known aspirants, he only signed the Integrity Pledge board and pose for a few photos with his COC.
Presidential aspirant Michael Argueza is mum. He refused to deliver speech at media area, minimal answers after. pic.twitter.com/XFFS7WPazj
— R-A. Dioquino (@AicaDioquino) October 13, 2015 When told he could make a speech, he declined with a small smile before walking to the exit.
This prompted some reporters to follow him, since he was only 34 years old, a few years short of the age requirement of 40.
He was mum even in the interview outside. He said he could win through "God's will" and refused to reveal his platform.
"Sa tamang panahon," he said. The media let him walk away.
'Intergalactic space ambassador'
Near the closing of Day Two, an unassuming man came to the media area with two kids.
Allan Carreon was also running for president. On his COC, he wrote that he works as an "intergalactic space ambassador," a title printed at the back of black shirt.
He gamely posed for photos, even when it meant not having his face seen in the shots so photographers could take a photo of the job title he was wearing -- quite literally.
Carreon said he once aspired to be a congressman in Pasig City, adding that among his platforms as president are the protection of Philippine waters, free WiFi for all, and solving corruption, which he said has been his topmost priority ever since.
More aspirants a 'positive' thing
The Comelec has so far received 37 COCs for president — 22 on Monday and 15 more on Tuesday.
Andres Bautista, the poll body's chair, noted that having many aspirants is a positive thing, though it must be balanced with a democracy's "right" to have an election without mockery.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, meanwhile, said all COCs filed before them are accepted as a "manifestation of democracy."
The filing of COCs will be until Friday, 5 p.m. —JST, GMA News
