Former Leyte Gov. Benjamin "Kokoy" Romualdez, one of the most powerful men during the Marcos regime, has declined to seek his old post in the May elections.
The 70-year-old younger brother of former First Lady Imelda Marcos announced his withdrawal from the race just two hours before the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy at midnight Wednesday.
"I have reached the age when running for public office needs to be inspired by more than the thrill of political victory. It should be based far more heavily on goals that (will) serve all the people of this nation," Romualdez said.
His change of mind was "totally unexpected," the Romualdezes said.
The most favored in-law of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos was prevailed upon by his family "for health reasons" to decline another run at the governorship of the province, a family spokesman told The STAR.
Romualdez, an ambassador to three countries during martial law, was advised by his wife Juliette and children Martin, Philip and Marian to "take enough rest" on the advice of his doctor Bernardita Valenzuela, a spokesman of Kokoy’s brother, Tacloban Mayor Alfredo "Bejo" Romualdez, said.
Instead, Kokoy had wanted to field first district Rep. Catalina Loreto-Go to run against her aunt, incumbent Leyte Gov. Remedios Loreto-Petilla who is seeking her third and last term as governor.
But Go had already filed last Feb. 26 her own candidacy for mayor of Baybay town in the belief that Romualdez, who returned to the country last May after years in exile, would seek his old post.
Eventually, farm administrator Jesus Pido, a known Romualdez ally, was tapped to run for governor.
"I am grateful to all in Leyte, who in my many years as governor have given me help ... (and) assured me of a decisive victory in May," Romualdez said, but added: "I am reluctant to take part in the present electoral process. I must decline the offer to return to public service."
Romualdez, who served as provincial governor for 18 years and was at the same time ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, admitted it was a difficult decision to make.
"Quite frankly, I did not know clearly enough in my own mind what was the right thing to do. It was not an easy decision. I thought long and hard for a clear-cut answer," he said.
Petilla told The STAR her prayers were answered when Kokoy pulled out of the race.
"I think this is divine intercession," she said, but added she was not "afraid" if Kokoy pushed through with his candidacy.
The Romualdezes are a prominent political clan in the province. Bejo is seeking re-election as mayor of Tacloban City, while Kokoy’s nephews Rep. Alfred Romualdez and Carlos Romualdez are running for congressional seats in the first and second district, respectively, of Leyte.