MANILA (Updated) -- Lawyer Harry Roque announced Friday, February 1, his withdrawal from the 2019 Senate race due to health reasons.
"It is with a truly heavy heart that I announce the withdrawal of my senatorial bid," he said in a statement.
Roque revealed that his attending physician had advised him to take a two-month rest, following discovery that he is suffering from an unstable angina coronary disease.
Unstable angina is a coronary disease in which heart does not get enough blood flow and oxygen, causing discomfort.
"I have recently undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention following the discovery of an unstable angina coronary disease earlier this week. In the days since the procedure, I have been forced to confront the reality of my physical situation and what it ultimately means for my aspirations to public service," he added.
Roque's announcement came before the campaign period for senatorial candidates kicks off on February 12.
Roque, a former spokesperson of President Rodrigo Duterte, bade farewell to Malacañang on October 15, 2018, as he sought a Senate seat in the 2019 midterm elections.
Despite his decision, the former Palace official said he remained hopeful that he would someday again have the honor to "serve the Filipino people as a legislator, or in whatever other capacity I may be of service."
Roque added that his withdrawal from the Senate race will not stop him from continuously supporting the President and the current administration.
"I wish to thank all who have been so kind and supportive of my candidacy. I ran for senator because I wanted to be of service in a way that I know I will be highly effective," he said.
"Whatever they may think of my politics, those who have seen my work in both the public and private sector can attest to what I would have brought to the Senate. Unfortunately, for the moment, it seems that God has other plans... [I] wish only the best for our country. God bless us all," he added.
Roque served as Duterte's spokesperson and presidential adviser on human rights. He was also representative of Kabayan party-list before he was appointed in the executive.
With his statement of withdrawal Friday, February 1, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said Roque's name will now be removed from the Certified List of Candidates for Senator.
"Once the formal and procedural requirements of the withdrawal have been fulfilled, the name of former candidate will be removed from the ballot," said Jimenez in a separate statement.
And despite Roque being nominated by the People's Reform Party, the poll official said he will no longer be entitled to being substituted.
"Substitution is now only allowed for death or disqualification. This is a case of voluntary withdrawal," said Jimenez.
It was back in November 29 when the deadline for the substitution of an official candidate of a political party, who withdrew, died, or was disqualified by final judgment had lapsed.
After the deadline set by the commission, only a candidate who died or was disqualified by final judgment may be substituted by someone who bears the same surname until mid-day of Election Day.
Roque's withdrawal came just a day after the Comelec released the final list of candidates, including 63 for senator, the former's name being one of them. (Ruth Abbey Gita/HDT/VoxPop Philippines)