MANILA – Senatorial aspirant Francis Leo Antonio Marcos on Thursday withdrew from the May 12 midterm elections, saying he does not want the government to spend big money to print ballots that will include his name.
Marcos, who was able to get a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court (SC) against his disqualification on Tuesday, personally submitted his Statement of Withdrawal to the Law Department of the Commission of Elections (Comelec).
“When I heard Chairman [George] Garcia’s statement that the government will spend PHP132 million just for the printing of new ballots, if I have love for the country I should show how to be of help,” he said.
“So the money of the people will be spent for nothing. So if I am the only reason for the government to spend [that amount of] money, I don’t want that to be a burden. There are still many more elections, I am formally withdrawing my candidacy. This is it.”
Francis then asked his supporters to support the candidacy of presidential sister and reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos.
“As for my supporters, they know that I love them. Another reason why I withdrew my candidacy to give way to the candidacy of Sen. Imee Marcos. I call on my supporters, that we support Sen. Imee,” he said.
Asked if someone has talked to him prior to his decision to withdraw, Marcos said, “There was none, I didn’t talk to anyone. My principle is not for sale.”
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a TRO against the Comelec and its decision to declare Francis Marcos as a nuisance candidate. (PNA)