Rodolfo Fariñas withdraws from Ilocos Norte gubernatorial race
MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas (Ilocos Norte) on Thursday withdrew his candidacy for governor in Ilocos Norte.
The 67-year-old lawmaker said he wants to retire from politics when his term in the House of Representatives ends on June 30, according to reports.
Fariñas filed his withdrawal at the Commission on Elections less than two weeks before the midterm elections on May 13.
With the withdrawal of Fariñas, Ilocos Norte board member Matthew Manotoc will run unopposed as governor.
Manotoc is the son of Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, who is running for senator, and the grandson of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
In 2017, Fariñas led a House inquiry into the supposed misuse of P66.5 million in tobacco funds in his province.
Fariñas accused Imee Marcos of authorizing the purchase of 115 assorted motor vehicles in 2011 and 2012 "without the benefit of public biddings." — Patricia Lourdes Viray
- Latest
- Trending
