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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Antipolo City councilor withdraws congressional bid for March 14 special election

Antipolo City councilor withdraws congressional bid for March 14 special election

Published Feb 17, 2026 02:06 pm
The candidate of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) for the special election to fill the vacancy in the second legislative district of Antipolo City in the House of Representatives, has issued a statement announcing his withdrawal from the March 14 congressional race. 
Lorenzo Juan “LJ” Sumulong III, an incumbent city councilor representing the second district of Antipolo City, announced on his social media page that he was backing out of his bid to represent his district in Congress. 
Sumulong said he made his decision following a consultation with his party which, he said, is prioritizing stability of the government, continuing public service, and the unity of the district above any political differences.
The councilor also added that he and another fellow candidate, Dr. Philip "Bong" Acop agreed during a meeting with City Mayor Casimiro "Junjun" Ynares III that he would be withdrawing his candidacy "out of respect for the memory of the late Representative Romeo Acop."
Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, III, (right) in a meeting with Councilor Sumulong (left) and Dr. Philip Acop (center) (Photo from Jun-Andeng Ynares' Facebook page)
Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, III, (right) in a meeting with Councilor Sumulong (left) and Dr. Philip Acop (center) (Photo from Jun-Andeng Ynares' Facebook page)
“Bilang lider, naniniwala akong ang tunay na sukatan ng pamumuno ay unahin ang kapakanan at interes ng ating nasasakupan kaysa pansariling ambisyon. Ang hindi pagtuloy ay stratehikong hakbang upang maiwasan ang hindi kinakailangang paghahati at mapanatili ang pokus sa serbisyo sa mamamayan (As a leader, I believe that the true measure of leadership is to prioritize the welfare and interests of our constituents over personal ambition. Not continuing is a strategic move to avoid unnecessary division and maintain focus on serving the people),” Sumulong III added in his statement which he posted on his social media account.
Councilor Lorenzo Juan Sumulong III (Photo from Councilor Sumulong's FB page)
Councilor Lorenzo Juan Sumulong III (Photo from Councilor Sumulong's FB page)
He also vowed to continue to serve his constituents in the second legislative district as a councilor, creating ordinances, implementing programs and to continue his advocacies that center on health, education, livelihood, order, social services, inclusive development and good governance.
Comelec Rizal’s provincial election supervisor Atty. Arnulfo Pioquinto told the Manila Bulletin that Councilor Sumulong had yet to file a certificate of withdrawal of his candidacy as of 5 p.m. on Feb. 16.
The special election in the second district of Antipolo, which covers Barangays Calawis, Cupang, Dalig, Inarawan, San Jose, San Juan, San Luis, and San Roque, will be on March 14 with the voting time from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Map of Antipolo City showing the second legislative district
Map of Antipolo City showing the second legislative district
The death of Rep. Romeo Acop on Dec. 20 resulted in the vacancy in the representation of the second legislative district of Antipolo City in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Acop’s son, a former city councilor and a practicing pediatrician, Dr. Philip ‘Bong’ Acop of the National Unity Party, is one of the seven individuals, including Councilor Sumulong, who filed their certificates of candidacy for congressman in their district.
The other candidates are Maria Trinidad Galang Cafirma, Dandin Yanos Infante, Reden ‘Red’ Noble Llaga, Nathaniel Adao Lobigas, and Irvin Paulo “Paui” Carillo Tapales.
The 30-day campaign period is ongoing until March 12.
Atty. Joseph Vega, head of the Commission on Election (Comelec) Antipolo office, said Chairman George Erwin Garcia, the poll body's head, has been requesting for updates from the city and the provincial offices respectively, regarding the preparations for the special election in the city.   
Garcia recently visited the proposed venue of the canvassing area in the Ynares Center premises. 

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