NEGROS Occidental Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao explained why he decided to temporarily quit from politics by not filing a certificate of candidacy in any elective posts.

"I made no regrets in giving way to party considerations," Gatuslao said on his Facebook account.

He was earlier named candidate of the United Negros Alliance (Unega) for congressman in the Fifth District but changes happened after Maria Lourdes Arroyo-Lesaca, sister of the late Fifth District representative Ignacio Arroyo and sister-in-law of former president and now House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, decided to run in the district to be the successor of incumbent congressman Alejandro Mirasol.

Gatuslao's cousin, Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon, who was also earlier named to be the candidate of Love Negros for congressman in the district also gave way to the congressional bid of Arroyo.

Bascon will run for board member instead.

Gatuslao also ruled out speculations that he may substitute his nephew, Neil Gatuslao Divinagracia, who filed his certificate of candidacy for board member in the district.

“After much thought, I have decided not to file for any electoral position in 2019. I strongly believe that my task is to return home to Himamaylan City and campaign for the victory of the reform team led by Raymund Tongson and Justin Gatuslao," Gatuslao further stated on his post.

He said that he has until June next year to complete the projects that they started under the Negros First agenda before his term ends.