Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita is set to file his certificate of candidacy this Thursday to run for congressman in the first district of Batangas in next year’s elections.

One of the longest serving Cabinet members, Ermita announced that he would again join the congressional derby. He previously served as representative of the Batangas’ first district for nine years from 1992 to 2001.

“I’m going to file my certificate of candidacy tomorrow to substitute my daughter for the first district of Batangas,” he told in a press briefing.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the filing of certificates of candidacy (CoCs) for substitution until December 14.

He said since the Supreme Court allowed the Cabinet members to have their posts until before the campaign period, he would still serve as executive secretary.

Ermita, who first started to serve the Arroyo administration as acting Defense secretary in 2001, said his appointment as executive secretary is the “sole prerogative of the President.”

He earlier said that the one who would step into his shoes when he resigns would be Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, whom he tagged, as “President’s choice.”

Apart from the Ermita, Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello also filed his candidacy to join the senatorial slate of administration’s Lakas-Kampi-CMD party two weeks ago. (Charissa M. Luci)