MANILA — With only days before the start of the local election campaign, actor-politician Jhong Hilario has officially exited “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” despite the popularity of his villainous character Homer, a.k.a. Alakdan.

In the March 27 episode of the long-running series, Cardo’s (Coco Martin) Vendetta group ambushed the hideout of Homer’s ilk as retribution for the death of Makmak (Awra Briguela).

Cardo eventually faced off with Homer. After a scuffle, Cardo managed to gain the upperhand and shot Homer, with a precise number of bullets signifying names he wanted to avenge, including his son.

With a final gunshot to the head, Homer’s death now appeared certain, with members of Vendetta surrounding his body.

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Hilario, as well as fellow cast members who are running in this year’s elections, had long anticipated their respective exit from “Ang Probinsyano.”

The campaign period bans showbiz appearances for candidates.

Previously, the character of senatorial candidate Lito Lapid died in February, a day before the campaign period for national-level bets.

Local candidates, such as Hilario, who is seeking re-election as Makati City councilor, will start campaigning on March 29. That means they can no longer appear on programs like “Ang Probinsyano.”

Edu Manzano and Mark Lapid, both prominent cast members of the show, are also expected to leave the ABS-CBN series before the weekend. Manzano is running for congressman of San Juan, while the younger Lapid is seeking the mayoral seat of Porac.