11 Bulacan bets no longer running

MANILA, Philippines - Six mayoral candidates in Bulacan, including Paombong Mayor and League of Municipalities of the Philippines president Donato Marcos, and five other candidates have withdrawan from the race.

Only three candidates were substituted, Elmo Duques, provincial election supervisor in Bulacan, said yesterday.

Rustico de Belen, mayoral bet in Donya Remedios Trinidad town, Rolando Flores (Baliwag), Pablo Milan (Meycauayan), Vice Mayor Reynaldo Santos (Hagonoy) and Mayor Carla Paula Galvez Tan (San Ildefonso), said they are no longer running for mayor.

Pancho Ordanes, an independent candidate for congressman in the second district of Bulacan, also withdrew his candidacy.

Romeo Rodriguez (Baliwag), Modesto Espinoza and Kris Blas Ople San Jose (Hagonoy), Leandro Celedonio (Pandi) and Erlinda Sigua (San Jose Del Monte City) withdrew their candidacies for councilor.

Duque said Marcos was substituted by his wife Maryanne; while Celedonio and Sigua, both Liberal Party candidates, were substituted by Vicente Gatuz and Ananias Dicdican, respectively. 

Sources said Marcos withdrew his candidacy because he was offered a post at the Department of Interior and Local Government.