MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has confirmed changes in his campaign team, with the withdrawal of broadcaster Noli de Castro from the senatorial race and the resignation of his chief of staff, media personality Cesar Chavez.
Moreno said in an interview with the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday that De Castro has cited personal reasons about his departure from the Aksyon Demokratiko’s senatorial slate.
However, he did not divulge other details about De Castro’s decision saying he is not at liberty to discuss it.
“Personal reason ‘yon, wala akong (That was a personal reason which I am not at) liberty to tell you, with due respect to Kabayan Noli de Castro, and I believe, and I support his decision because there is a personal reason behind it. And I am not in the liberty to tell the public to state that situation,” Moreno said.
“We were informed yesterday […] Aksyon pa rin naman siya, kaya lang for personal reasons, hindi muna siya tutuloy. And we support that,” he added.
(We were informed yesterday and he is still with Aksyon Demokratiko, but for personal reasons, he would forgo his candidacy. And we support that.)
The mayor is party president and the presidential bet of Aksyon Demokratiko. Earlier, it was reported that De Castro left the slate as he believes he would be of a greater help to the country if he resumes broadcasting.
READ: Noli de Castro withdraws senatorial bid
Regarding Chavez, Moreno said that his chief-of-staff encountered health reasons that compelled him to resign.
“Nagkaroon siya ng health reason, that’s one. Two, he has to attend to his family, so ayaw kong nagi-interfere kapag pamilya na eh, syempre kaya ka nga naghahanap buhay dahil sa pamilya mo eh, and I respect that,” Moreno said.
(He encountered a health reason, that’s one. Two, he has to attend to his family, so I don’t want to interfere if it’s a family issue, because of course, the reason why you make a living is for your family and I respect that.)
The local chief executive is running for president in the 2022 national elections, possibly squaring up against other names like Vice President Leni Robredo, former senator Bongbong Marcos, Senators Manny Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson, and Ronald dela Rosa.
Moreno is banking on a platform of quick action, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ: Isko Moreno on Willie Ong as VP: I need a doctor to manage COVID-19