By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter
FORMER presidential spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. on Friday withdrew his senatorial bid, citing health concerns.
“I have recently undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention following the discovery of an unstable angina coronary disease earlier this week,” Mr. Roque, who was supposed to run under the People’s Reform Party, said in a statement.
“In the days since the procedure, I have been forced to confront the reality of my physical situation and what it ultimately means for my aspirations to public service.”
Mr. Roque filed his Certificate of Candidacy on Oct. 17 after previously announcing he will run for congressman as first nominee of the Luntian party-list group.
Prior to his stint as the President’s spokesman, Mr. Roque served as Kabayan party-list representative in the 17th Congress. He ranked 21st to 26th in the recent Dec. 2018 Pulse Asia’s survey on senatorial candidates in December last year.
Despite pulling out from the race, Mr. Roque said, “It is my sincere hope that I will someday again have the honor to serve the Filipino people as a legislator, or in whatever other capacity I may be of service.”
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said in a statement on Friday, “Once the formal and procedural requirements of the withdrawal have been fulfilled, the name of former candidate will be removed from the ballot.”
The period of substitution of candidates closed on Nov. 29. Comelec rules only allow substitution beyond the deadline if a candidate is disqualified or dies.
BUDGET
The Comelec also on Friday said enactment of the 2019 national budget is necessary for the midterm elections, despite Congress’ assurance of other fund sources.
“That has been floated as a possibility and we are certainly studying that, but in terms of how to do things, it’s incredibly superior to have a budget because the budget is specifically designed for the elections,” Mr. Jimenez said in a press briefing.
“We have a request for restoration. We are requesting that the budget, the part of the budget which was not included in the NEP (National Expenditure Program) be restored by the Bicam(eral Conference Committee),” he added.
“Kung mareenact nga ‘yung budget then parang bale wala na yung request na yun.” (If the budget is reenacted, then that disregards our request.)
