Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee backs out of Senate race

Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee shows his filed certificate of candidacy for senator at the Manila Hotel tent on October 1, 2024. Lee was the first senatorial aspirant to file his COC before the Commission on Elections. INQUIRER.net/John Eric Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines — Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee has backed out of the senatorial race.

Lee, who announced this move in a press conference in Manila on Monday, cited lack of “machinery” as one of the reasons for this move.

“When I went around our country, I realized that the machinery we have now is not enough to reach all our countrymen to introduce my advocacies,” Lee said. “It became clear to me that more time was needed.”

Meanwhile, Lee, who has four months left in office as a representative, said he will continue to push for his programs throughout his term. He added that he is not Agri party-list’s nominee for the 2025 midterm polls.

After his press conference, the lawmaker then went to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to officially lodge his certificate of withdrawal.

Lee follows suit with former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson and internet personality Norman Mangusin, better known as Francis Leo Marcos.

READ: Francis Leo Marcos’ withdrawal from Senate race delays ballot printing

READ: Chavit Singson withdraws from 2025 senatorial race

Singson withdrew on Jan. 16 due to health issues, while Mangusin also made the move as he backed the reelection bid of Sen. Imee Marcos.

Unlike other Senate aspirants who withdrew, Lee said he did not make the move due to health reasons.

“I am okay,” he said. “Maybe I just have a heartache now.”