A 57-year-old taxicab driver is the first to have filed a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at Comelec Cebu City on the first day of filing on October 1, 2024.

Abraham Abdon Verdida Jr., the taxi driver, is seeking a post in the City Council. 

Verdida was already featured in a soft news episode of GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak for his kind gesture of offering free rides to passengers every time he celebrates his birthday.

Verdida said that once he wins, he would provide rice through raffle.

“Og pananglitan makadaug ko, tulo ka sakong bugas i-raffle nako, mokuha sila sa kuan, maglikit kog papel nga gamay nya mokuha sila,” Verdida said.

Verdida pointed out that seeking an elective position does not require an aspirant to be wealthy. The top qualification, he said, is the person’s willingness to serve with a heart.

Meanwhile, Atty. Ambongan Aguilar, election officer, of Comelec Cebu City said that supporters of aspirants have designated areas for their gathering. Only three escorts of each aspirant are allowed inside the Comelec office to maintain order.

Tents are put up in the vicinity of the Comelec Cebu City office for the emergency response team.

According to Henry Alcontin, chief of operations of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), they are prepared for any quick emergency response.

“Ato sang gikuan ang perimeter fence, kay base sa atong experience adtong niagi, mga supporter magtapok diri, maghuot na nuon,” Alcontin said.