After withdrawing his candidacy for Negros Occidental fifth district congressman last week, Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Alain Gatuslao said he will “temporarily quit” politics and affirmed he would not be seeking elective office in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.

“My task is to return home to Himamaylan City,” he said.

Both the board member and Himamaylan Mayor Agustin Bascon, Gatuslao’s cousin, withdrew their names from consideration, paving the way for Marilou Arroyo-Lesaca, the sister of former Negros Occidental fifth district Rep. Ignacio ‘Iggy’ Arroyo, Jr., to succeed incumbent Rep. Alejandro Mirasol, who is currently serving his third and final term.

Meanwhile, Bascon announced he would be running for board member.

The mayor enters a crowded field of candidates as he is expected to take on Ricky Genova, Russel Tan, Ernesto Adrian Aguilar, and Nathaniel Gatuslao Divinagracia for the seat./DGB, WDJ