MANILA — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Vice Mayor Gian Sotto filed their certificates of candidacy for re-election on Tuesday, the first day of filing for those who are seeking positions in the Philippines’ 2025 midterm elections.

Belmonte and Sotto have formed a tandem since 2019, and are now gunning for their third consecutive term at the helm of the Philippines’ wealthiest and most vote-rich city.

QC mayor Joy Belmonte says LGUs can be 'cities for change' with gender-inclusive programs

“The first term was a pandemic term so ako naman umaasa na wala nang pandemic at ang lahat ng mga plano natin ay smooth sailing na maisasakatuparan natin,” Belmonte told reporters.

“If I will run uncontested, I will be very, very happy and this is through the grace and glory of God,” she said, when asked about talk that she would run unopposed as Quezon City mayor.

If given a chance at a third term in office, Belmonte said she hopes to focus on social services as well as health, shelter and environment.

“Being a business-friendly city para dumami ang mga jobs para sa mga mamamayan natin… at iuplift ang buhay ng mga mas mahihirap,” she said.

Sotto, on the other hand, is looking to pass city legislation that will “protect families” if he wins another 3 years as Quezon City Vice Mayor.

“Protection of families… para lumakas ang ating bansa kailangan tutukan ang bawat pamilya sa buong Pilipinas,” he said.

“Protection from all kinds of abuse, discrimination and other sorts of violence,” he added.

Belmonte and Sotto are scions of politicians who started their careers in Quezon City, and eventually climbed to national posts.

Belmonte is the daughter of former House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, while Sotto is the son of former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who is expected to mount a Senate comeback bid in 2025.