Ex-Defense chief Lorenzana withdraws senatorial bid

FILE PHOTO: Former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. | PHOTO: Official Facebook apge of Delfin Lorenzana

MANILA, Philippines — Former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana withdrew his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator in the 2025 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday.

Lorenzana filed his COC on Monday through an authorized representative, but Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco confirmed in a message to the media that he already withdrew his COC.

“[F]ormer Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana filed his COC for senator as an independent candidate yesterday,  October 7, 2024, thru a duly authorized representative,” Laudiangco said.

READ: Former defense chief Lorenzana files COC for senator

“He, however, personally withdrew said COC at 12:13 p.m. today, October 8, 2024. He cited no reason for said withdrawal,” Laudiangco added.

In September, Lorenzana stepped down as the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BDCA) chairman. Upon his resignation, he said that he would continue to help the government as he transitioned into a private life.

Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman George Garcia previously said that the poll body would not accept substitution due to withdrawal of a candidate after October 8, the last COC filing day for the national and local posts.

However, substitution is still allowed after the COC filing deadline until November 15, 2024, only if the original aspirant died or was disqualified. The substitute must share the same family name or belong to the same political party.

READ: ‘No more candidate substitution due to withdrawal after COC deadline’

Withdrawal of COC can be done personally or through an authorized representative.