Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee is withdrawing his candidacy for the 2025 senatorial race, the lawmaker confirmed in a press conference on Monday, February 10.
According to a report by RH 29 Boy Gonzales, Lee’s withdrawal from the senatorial race comes a day before the launch of the national campaigns and three months before the midterm elections. The lawmaker backed out because there was a lack of machinery and time to prepare for a nationwide campaign.
“Sa pakikipag-usap ko sa aking pamilya, sa aking campaign team, at the liderato ng Agri Party-list, napagpasyahan ko po na mag withdraw na sa pagtakbo sa pagkasenador,” Lee annouced during the press conference.
“Isa po itong napakahirap na desisyon para sa akin. Lalo pa’t naniniwala ako sa aking mga ipinaglalaban at nais kong dalhin sa senado. Pero matapos lang ang mataimtim na pagdarasal, pag-iisip, at konsultasyon, naniniwala din ako na ito ang marapat na gawin sa pagkakataong ito,” he added.
“Sabi nga po, sometimes it is not the times you decide to fight, but the times you decide not to fight that makes the difference,” he continued.
Lee furthered that he has yet to reach other places in the country and make his advocacy known to the public. The statement came after Lee mentioned that there are still numerous people who are unaware of his advocacy.
Continued Support for the Agriculture Sector
Despite this, Lee assured that he would continue his support and service for agriculture and the protection of farmers, fisherfolks, and local food producers—whom they consider food security soldiers.
The solon expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him during his term in Congress until his candidacy for senator.
“Kayo po ang nagsilbing inspirasyon kung para lalong pagbutihin ang trabaho at mandatong paglingkuran ang mga Pilipino. Sa kabila ng mga hamon, sa mga hinarap at patuloy nating hinaharap na laban, maraming salamat po sa pagibibgay ninyo ng oras, lakas, at dedikasyon,” he expressed.
“It has been a humbling and inspiring experience. Kung wala po kayo, hindi po magiging posible ang mga naging tagumpay natin,” he furthered.
Although Lee stepped back from the senatorial race, he assured that the fight for his advocacies would continue.
“Patuloy akong lalaban at magsisikap, upang pagsilbihan ang ating mga kapwa Pilipino, at minamahal na bansang Pilipinas. Tuloy po ang laban natin. Tuloy po ang laban ng Agri Party-list. Tuloy ang ating laban para sa libreng gamot at pagpapagamot at sa pagtataguyod ng murang pagkain para sa lahat,” the lawmaker assured.
Lee will head to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) later today to formally announce his withdrawal.
WATCH: Naniniwala si Cong. Wilbert Lee na ang pag-atras sa kanyang kandidatura ang nararapat na gawin sa panahon ngayon | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/MQxIqODQHd
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 10, 2025
