Noli de Castro withdraws Senate bid

MANILA – Former Vice President and broadcast journalist Noli de Castro has withdrawn his bid for a Senate seat in next year’s elections, saying he has a change of plans.

In an official statement posted on the Facebook page of his daughter, PTV4 General Manager Kat de Castro on Wednesday, he said he can continue to help giving voice to ordinary Filipinos through broadcast journalism, in which his career spanned decades.

“Nagkaroon ng pagbabago ang aking plano. 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 (But I had change of plans. I would like to inform all my friends and supporters who have been preparing to help me that I decided not to continue with my candidacy),” de Castro’s statement read.

De Castro filed his certificate of candidacy for senator under Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso’s Aksyon Demokratiko party on the last day of filing on October 8.

With the decision to withdraw his Senate bid, he however assured that his intention for the country has not changed.

“Kasabay ng pagdarasal sa Poong Nazareno, napag-isip-isip kong mas makatutulong ako sa pagbibigay ng boses sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan ng pamamahayag (As I pray to the Black Nazarene, I realized that I can be of more help to our countrymen through broadcasting),” he said.

His daughter, Kat, assured that his father is in good health, saying there is nothing to worry about.

“He has personal reasons for withdrawing his candidacy. He’s now spending time with family, most especially with his grandchildren. What’s his next move? Wala pa. Pahinga muna siya (No plans yet. He will just rest),” she said.

In a statement, the Aksyon Demokratiko party expressed sadness over de Castro’s withdrawal from the race but respected his decision.

Ernest Ramel, the party’s chairperson, said de Castro remains to be a member of the party.

Meantime, Domagoso’s chief of staff, Cesar Chavez also confirmed his resignation from the camp and announced his decision to go back to radio broadcasting.

He said the Manila Broadcasting Company management offered him a position as early as March this year and that he had informed Domagoso about his intention to accept the job.

“Salamat Yorme sa pag-unawa, at pagkatataon makapagtrabaho sa Maynila. Napakaraming magagaling at matitino sa city hall. Maraming salamat sa inyo (Thank you Mayor for the understanding, and the chance to work in Manila. There are so many hardworking and honest people working at the city hall. Thank you),” Chavez’s post read.