Oropesa abandons vice gov candidacy

LEGAZPI CITY — Citing personal reasons, actress Elizabeth Oropesa has withdrawn her certificate of candidacy for vice governor of Albay, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Oropesa filed her certificate of candidacy last Jan. 2 as running mate of Brando Sael, the gubernatorial candidate of the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) of actor Fernando Poe Jr.

Ma. Sonia Fernandez Mabelin, acting provincial election supervisor, said Oropesa cited personal reasons when she withdrew her certificate of candidacy last March 19.

Zacarias Zaragoza Jr., the Comelec’s regional director, said Oropesa was one of 28 candidates in Bicol who had backed out of the May 10 elections.

The number included 19 candidates for municipal councilor, three for vice mayor, two for mayor, two for congressman, and one each for governor and vice governor (Oropesa).

Besides personal reasons, those who had abandoned their electoral bids also cited withdrawal of support, financial constraints and giving way to another candidate as explanations, Zaragoza said.

According to reports, Oropesa’s candidacy ran into conflict with her contract for a television soap opera.