MANILA, Philippines - Senator Edgardo Angara has backed out of the gubernatorial race in Aurora province, his son confirmed to Rappler.

He will be substituted by his younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara. (The deadline for substitution is December 21, Friday.)

"Dad was really a reluctant candidate, but many were pushing him to run," said son Aurora Rep Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara.

Senators are only allowed two consecutive terms or a total of 12 years. But they are allowed to return after a 3-year break.

Senator Angara has served a total of 4 terms. He first served his two consecutive terms from 1987 to 1998. He returned to the Senate in 2001 and was re-elected in 2007.

The senator's sister, Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, is the incumbent governor. She is on her third and last term in the capitol, too.

The younger Angara, Sonny, is one of the senatorial candidates of the Liberal Party. - Rappler.com