Ex-Defense chief Lorenzana withdrew Senate candidacy — Comelec

Former Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana withdrew on Tuesday his candidacy for senator in next year’s midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Lorenzana filed his certificate of candidacy as an independent aspirant on Monday through a representative.

But the poll body confirmed that he backed out his candidacy during the last day of filling for an unknown reason.

“He, however, personally withdrew said COC at 12:13 p.m. today, October 8, 2024. He cited no reason for said withdrawal,” said Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco in a statement.

Lorenzana was the country’s Defense chief during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte from 2016 to 2022.

He later held the chairmanship of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, but was replaced by retired general Thompson Lantion this year.

Aside from Lorenzana, another former Duterte Cabinet member who filed his candidacy for senator is ex-presidential adviser for Northern Luzon Raul Lambino who will run under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino - Laban. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News