Fearing widespread cheating in the local election, Quezon City Majority Floor Leader Ariel Enrile Inton called it quits in the mayoral derby this coming May.

Inton formally announced his withdrawal from the mayoral race in a press conference held at his office at the Quezon City Hall last Wednesday.

Inton has cited the failure of the city government and local poll body to address the issues concerning the rampant flying voters and questionable registrants in the city as one of the reason for his withdrawal.

“I fear that election in our city this coming May will be marred by cheating as the city never made any effort to address the problem of double registrants and flying voters,” Inton said.

The three-term councilor’s announcement of withdrawal came two days ahead of the start of the campaign period for the local elections, which security officials feared of more violence to come.

Inton also admitted that lack of resources on his part would also hamper his electoral and campaign bid to reach out all of the city’s constituents thus the decision to withdraw from the race.

“This is the battle that we cannot yet win thus the need for us to prepare better and look ahead for future elections. I am thanking all those who supported me for the past nine years,” Inton said.

The city official also lamented the wanton disregard of some city officials who are using the city’s fund and resources in fostering their bid for election especially for the mayoral race.