Retired police general, Sulu princess file COCs for senator

A retired police general and a member of a family claiming ownership of Sabah on Wednesday filed their certificates of candidacy for senator.

 

Retired police official Romeo Maganto filed his COC for senator under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats party.

 

"I'm a retired general in the Philippine National Police, but not expired. I'm ready to serve," Maganto said in jest after filing his COC at the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila.

 

"Before I leave this world, I want to serve our countrymen and our people," he added.

 

Sulu Princess Jacel Kiram, niece of the late Sulu Sultan Esmail Kiram II, also filed her COC for senator.

 

The Kirams of Sulu are claiming ownership of Sabah, which is considered by Malaysia as its state.

 

Kiram said that if she's elected senator, she will pursue the Philippines' claim over Sabah.

 

"Every Filipino has to be aware that this is our issue. The case is in the ICJ (International Court of Justice), but it's not moving. We need the government to help us move our claim," she said.

 

Vice President Jejomar Binay, standard bearer of the United Nationalist Alliance, had said that Kiram will be included in the party's senatorial slate. —ALG, GMA News