'Fund woes forced Noli out of race'

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The lack of financial resources forced Vice President Noli de Castro to withdraw his bid for the May 10 presidential elections, his adviser revealed yesterday.

Jessie Andres, chief of staff of the Office of the Vice President, said the lack of funds forced De Castro to decide not to run for president even if he was already leading in the surveys.

“The man (De Castro) has well-defined scruples. The man cannot sacrifice his principles to muster funds just so he could launch his candidacy at all cost. He is not that kind. He just refuses. He is not willing to sacrifice his scruples,” Andres said.

Andres pointed out De Castro lacked the logistics, the second requirement to launch a successful campaign in addition to a good showing in the surveys.

“There are two requirements to launch a successful campaign. One is topping the surveys, which he has. Second, is the logistics, which he doesn’t have. He would need billions (to survive and win the campaign). He does not have that,” Andres added.

“As an individual, (De Castro) is not rich. And he is not obsessed with power,” he added.

Andres explained De Castro would need billions of pesos to finance his campaign.

According to Andres, De Castro is not the type of candidate who would solicit from other individuals, groups or organizations so he could campaign. 

Andres said De Castro would not even agree to the idea of getting the campaign funds from influential people in exchange for some favors later should he get elected.

“Those who contribute to the campaign funds would really ask for something in exchange which the Vice President is not willing to do and to give,” Andres said.

He added De Castro could not simply accept help “with strings attached.”

Andres hinted De Castro would return to the broadcast industry after he steps down as Vice President on June 30.

“Broadcasting has always been his first love,” Andres said.