Cebu City Taxi Driver Files Candidacy for Council Seat on First Day of COC Filing
A long-time taxi driver makes rounds online after filing a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for a seat on the Cebu City Council.
On October 1, 2024, a 57-year-old taxi driver identified as Abraham Alcontin Verdida submitted his candidacy on the first day of COC filing for the upcoming 2025 elections. He is running for a council seat in Cebu City’s South District, with the election scheduled for May 12, 2025.
Despite having no prior political experience, Verdida is determined to run, inspired by a suggestion to give it a try. He filed his COC early in the morning but faced delays due to incomplete documents, managing to finish the process by the afternoon.
Verdida, who has been driving a taxi for six years, is known for providing free rides on his birthday, January 12, a practice he hopes to continue if elected. His platform centers on simple acts of kindness.
The taxi driver promises that if he wins, he will offer free rides on his birthday and raffle off three sacks of rice to his community. Although his financial resources are limited, he remains hopeful that his message of service will resonate with voters.
As an independent candidate, he has reached out to local political figures for support but has yet to receive any commitments. Verdida has previously driven for notable politicians, including Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama and Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and he is open to joining a political slate if offered the opportunity.
Verdida’s campaign will rely on the support of his family and neighbors as he aims to bring a fresh perspective to the city council, advocating for small but meaningful contributions to his community.
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The social media users expressed their reactions to his candidacy:
