Even as he decided to withdraw from the senatorial race in next year’s national elections, former Vice President Noli de Castro will remain as a member of Aksyon Demokratiko, the party chairperson said in a statement.
“The former vice-president will continue to be a member of Aksyon Demokratiko and we will continue to consult with him having vast experience in public service and his dedication to the welfare of the Filipinos. We are saddened by his decision but we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,”Ernest Ramel, chairperson of Aksyon Demokratiko, said.
Aksyon Demokratiko presidential standard-bearer, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he respects the decision of De Castro which was reportedly based on his personal contemplation and prayerful devotion to the Black Nazarene housed in Quiapo Church.
“Vice President Noli has personal reasons for giving up his senatorial run, which we respect. In truth, when my team was convincing him to run once more for the Senate, he contemplated on it for a long time. We respect his decision to forego his re-entry into national politics, and wish him well because we know that he will continue to have the best interests of our people, as the Pambansang Kabayan, in his heart,” noted Moreno, who is also Aksyon Demokratiko’s party president.
In a press statement announcing his decision to withdraw as senatorial candidate, De Castro thanked Moreno and the Aksyon Demokratiko party for the trust and help given to him from the day he was sworn in as party member.
“Nais ko pong magpasalamat kay Mayor Isko Moreno at sa mga bumubuo ng Aksyon Demokratiko sa ibinigay na tiwala at tulong sa akin sa unang araw pa lamang na maging miyembro ako ng Partido. Maraming salamat po,” said De Castro.
De Castro said in his statement that he will continue serving the Filipino people as a broadcast journalist. “Patuloy tayong magiging boses ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa panahong katulad nito na ang boses na iyon ay nalulunod sa ingay ng pulitika at paggamit ng kapangyarihan para sa sariling interes ng iilan.”