By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A candidate for mayor of Dao, Capiz, has withdrawn from the race after filing his certificate of withdrawal on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 20.
Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Milagros Salud Villanueva confirmed that Dao mayoral candidate John Emmanuel “Ejay” Griño of Barangay Balucuan, Dao, filed his certificate of withdrawal at around 2:30 p.m. before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Dao.
She said Griño decided not to run against incumbent Mayor Jose Jimbo Barruela for personal reasons.
“It’s no longer important what his reasons are. The main issue is that his statement of withdrawal, submitted to the election officer, was notarized,” Villanueva said.
Griño filed his certificate of candidacy in October last year as an independent candidate.
Barruela now appears to be the sure winner, as he is running unopposed in the May 12, 2025, midterm elections.
