MANILA, Philippines — Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas yesterday withdrew his candidacy for governor of Ilocos Norte.
Fariñas cancelled his certificate of candidacy at the local Commission on Elections office, leaving Board Member Matthew Marcos-Manotoc, son of Gov. Imee Marcos, unopposed in the gubernatorial race.
“I didn’t really want to run for any office as I want to retire on June 30 after 39 years... I started as Laoag City mayor in 1980 at the age of 28,” he said.
Fariñas, 67, said he wants to spend more time with his family when his term as congressman ends.
“Free to be doing nothing and absolute quality time for... my kids and eight grandkids. And myself, of course,” he said.
Fariñas said he is confident that Manotoc would serve Ilocos Norte “excellently like I did.”
Fariñas’ daughter Ria, an incumbent member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, is seeking the House seat that he would be vacating. His son Rodolfo Jr. is running for board member.