Noli de Castro withdraws Senate bid, cites 'change of plans'

Former vice president Noli de Castro on Wednesday said he has withdrawn his candidacy for senator in the 2022 elections, citing "change of plans."

"Isinumite ko ang aking kandidatura sa Comelec noong Biyernes. Ngunit nagkaroon ng pagbabago ang aking plano," De Castro said in a statement.

"Nais kong iparating sa lahat ng aking mga kaibigan at supporters na naghahanda na sanang tumulong sa akin, na nagpasiya akong hindi na ituloy ang aking kandidatura." 

(I submitted my candidacy to the Comelec last Friday. But there has been a change of plan. I wish to inform my friends and supporters who were preparing to help me that I have decided not to push through with my candidacy.)

De Castro’s statement of withdrawal was received by the Comelec on Wednesday, according to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

“Aspirants may withdraw their candidacy at any time before election day," Jimenez said.

"But it should be noted that all Statements of Withdrawal for national positions received by the Law Department must comply with Comelec rules and regulations, and are still for submission to the Commission En Banc for resolution,” he added.

In his statement, De Castro said he realized he would be of great help to the public by continuing his profession in journalism.

"Gayunpaman, hindi po nagbago ang aking layunin at hangad para sa bayan. Kasabay ng pagdarasal sa Poong Nazareno, napag-isip-isip kong mas makakatulong ako sa pagbibigay ng boses sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng pamamahayag," said De Castro, who served as senator from 2001 until he was elected vice president in 2004.

(However, this does not change my goal for the country. While praying to the Nazarene, I realized I would be of greater help to the public if I stay in the field of broadcasting.)

De Castro was supposed to run under Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's Aksyon Demokratiko.

The veteran newscaster expressed gratitude to Moreno, who will seek the presidency in the 2022 elections, and the entire political party for giving trust and confidence in him and for helping him since he took oath as its member.

Moreno, for his part, said they respect De Castro's decision.

"In truth, when my team was convincing him to run once more for the Senate, he contemplated it for a long time," Moreno said.

"We respect his decision to forego his re-entry into national politics, and wish him well because we know that he will continue to have the best interests of our people, as the Pambansang Kabayan, in his heart."

Aksyon Demokratiko chairperson Ernest Ramel said De Castro would continue to be a member of the party. —with Richa Noriega/KBK/RSJ/VBL, GMA News