Manila congressman withdraws candidacy

Manila Rep. Harry Angping, who was seeking a third and last term as congressman of the capital’s third district, has withdrawn his certificate of candidacy (COC) over apprehensions that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would disqualify him over the issue on his Filipino citizenship.

Angping, of the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP), was substituted by his wife Ma. Zenaida Benedicto Angping after the congressman withdrew his candidacy last Tuesday.

Under the principle of substitution, a candidate can withdraw his COC and be subtituted or replaced by another member of his or her political party.

"They can no longer question citizenship since my wife is a Filipina," Angping told The STAR in a phone interview.

Earlier, a barangay captain filed a petition with the Comelec seeking the disqualification of Angping, whom he alleged is not a Filipino citizen.

The petitioner insisted the congressman is a Chinese national and should not be allowed to hold an elective position.

The Comelec first division was supposed to hand down a decision on the matter yesterday, but with Angping’s withdrawal, the petition is virtually moot and academic.

Angping claimed to have gathered information that the Comelec-National Capital Region had already ruled in his favor and recommended the dismissal of the petition.

However, the Comelec-NCR decision still has to be reviewed by the poll body’s first division, which can uphold or reverse the recommendation of the NCR.

"Malakas ang ugong na babaligtarin ng division ang recommendation ng NCR at ipapa-disqualify ako," noted Angping.

Angping is running against Miles Roces, a three-term councilor and a son-in-law of incumbent Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Although confident he has a strong case, Angping said he expected the worse and tapped his wife to replace him.

When Angping ran in 1998 and 2001, the issue about his citizenship was raised by his political rivals, but the Comelec eventually ruled in his favor, allowing him to serve for six years in the House of Representatives.

His wife said she is more than ready for the job.

"I am prepared. It’s a big sacrifice on Harry’s part," said the former Miss Celtics and vice president of the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. – With Delon Porcalla