Citing health reasons and loss of trust, national artist Nora Aunor has decided to withdraw her candidacy in the 2025 midterm elections as second nominee of the People’s Champ Guardians party-list.

Aunor, whose real name is Nora Villamayor, who filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) as the second nominee of the party in October 2024, announced the withdrawal of her candidacy, at the same time throwing her support behind Kabayan party-list, founded by incumbent Rep. Ron Salo.

In a statement sent to Inquirer Bandera, Aunor explained that she initially believed in the People’s Champ Guardians advocacy, but she eventually lost her trust in those who convinced her to run for a seat.

“Unang-una tinanggap ko ang nominasyon bilang pangalawang nominee dahil sa aking paniniwala na kaisa ko sila ng adhikain at layunin ngunit habang dumaraan ang mga araw ay napagtanto ko na magkaiba pala,” she said per report.

“Pinaalalahanan din ako ng aking mga doktor na umiwas sa stressful situation kagaya ng pangangampanya; Nawala na rin ang aking tiwala sa tao na nagkumbinse sa akin na sumali bilang pangalawang nominado,” she further explained.

(First, I accepted the nomination as its second nominee because I believed that we had the same advocacy and goals. However, I realized that our goals were different. I was also reminded by my doctor to refrain from engaging in stressful situations such as campaigning. I also lost trust in the people who convinced me to run as its second nominee.)

Despite this, Aunor said she would nonetheless continue with her commitment to “help the poor.”

“At dahil dito ako ay nagpasya ng mag-withdraw sa aking kandidatura. Kahit umatras ako bilang kandidato, ako ay mananatiling committed at ipagpapatuloy ko ang aking adhikain na tumulong sa mga mahihirap lalong-lalo na sa mga kasamahan ko sa insdustriyang aking ginagalawan,” she said. “Maraming salamat po at nawa ay patuloy tayong patnubayan ng Poong Maykapal.”

(This is why I decided to withdraw my candidacy. Despite this, I will remain committed and continue with my advocacy of helping the poor, especially with the people in our industry. Thank you very much and God bless you all.)

Nora Aunor (left) with Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo. Image: Handout photo

Salo expressed his gratitude to Aunor for voicing her support to the party, saying, “Just as she has dedicated her life to her craft and to the Filipino people, we remain committed [to] pushing for meaningful legislation that secures their welfare and future.”

Kabayan party-list in 2016 fielded Harry Roque as representative, but he left the organization to join the Duterte administration as presidential spokesperson. Roque is now being considered a fugitive by the House of Representatives after he was linked to Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) hub in Porac, Pampanga which was raided by authorities after documents with his signature were found by operatives. He has repeatedly denied having any links with the Pogo hub.

This is not the first time Aunor sought a seat in the House of Representatives. She previously ran as a nominee for the NORAA (National Organization for Responsive Advocacies for the Arts) party list in 2021.

Known for her captivating performances on film and television, Aunor is best known for her work in the films “Himala,” “Hustisya,” “Taklub,” “Bulaklak Sa City Jail,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and “Bona,” to name a few. She recently starred in the Adolfo Alix Jr.-helmed film “Mananambal.”