Retired military officer and Medal of Valor awardee Ariel Querubin officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Tuesday for the upcoming 2025 senatorial elections.
Querubin, who is the most decorated soldier in Philippine history, was accompanied by his family, supporters, and former generals from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Philippine National Police (PNP) at the Manila Hotel Tent City.
Despite running under the Nacionalista Party, Querubin emphasized that he will not be aligning himself with any established political slates.
“My loyalty is to the people, not to any political slates. Joining a slate would mean choosing sides, and that is not what I stand for,” Querubin stated.
He clarified, however, that he is open to joining a coalition of independent candidates, provided it focuses on national priorities. “Bukas ako na umanib sa isang coalition of independents na uunahin ang bansa, uunahin ang mahihirap, bibigyang dangal ang sakripisyo ng ating mga bayani, at bibigyang halaga ang mabuting pamamahala,” he said.
Querubin explained that his senatorial run is motivated by a desire to address the pressing issues of hunger, education, and national security. He underscored the need for strong leadership in the Senate, especially on the defense of the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“Gusto kong tuparin ang pangarap ko na mapalaya ang lahat sa gutom at mabigyan ng kaledad na edukasyon ang ating mga kabataan, lalo na ang mga panganay na madalas nagsasakripisyo upang umalalay sa pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya,” Querubin said.
“Bilang retiradong marines, hindi ko kayang maupo at manood na lamang habang patuloy tayong inaapi sa West Philippine Sea. Lalaban tayo para sa ating karapatan. Para sa ating seguridad. Para sa ating kinabukasan,” he added.
Querubin, who hails from Pangasinan but is celebrated for his military exploits in Palawan, the Visayas, and Mindanao, first expressed his intent to return to public service in July 2024. His candidacy has received strong backing from more than 2,000 former military, coast guard, and police generals and officers.
The former soldier’s campaign is centered on alleviating poverty, improving education, ensuring good governance, and defending the country’s sovereignty.
