Roxas keeps doors open for 2019 elections

FILE: However, Roxas seems to not be fully closing his doors, admitting that it is a recurring topic asked of him. (Photo: Mar Roxas/Facebook)

Once a presidential candidate in 2016 as Liberal Party’s (LP’s) standard-bearer, people wonder if Manuel “Mar” Roxas II will be running for the 2019 elections.

Earlier, LP President Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said in an interview with GMA News that Roxas will not seek a post in the upper chamber this coming polls.

“I’ve spoken to him and he declined our [recommendation]… parang sinabi niya na (and he said that) he would rather not be included,” Pangilinan said.

“There are still those who are convincing him,” he added.

However, Roxas seems to not be fully closing his doors, admitting that it is a recurring topic asked of him.

Echoing Pangilinan, he also admitted that, “Maraming tao at grupo na ini-encourage akong magpatuloy sa serbisyo (There are a lot of people and groups encouraging me to continue my service).”

“Malayo pa naman (It is still far). Let’s cross that bridge ‘pag andiyan na (when it is there),” Roxas then added.

After losing the Presidential elections, placing second to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Roxas has been living a more private life, also admitting in Rappler’s report that for the meantime, he will be focusing on his family.

He can be considered as a veteran in the Philippine politics, being the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary from 2012 to 2015 replacing late Jesse Robredo, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary from 2000 to 2013, Department of Transportation and Communications (DTC) Secretary from 2011 to 2012, and a Senator from 2004 to 2010.

In his career in the government service, Roxas has served under the Cabinets of former presidents Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Joseph Estrada.

His father Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas served as a Senator from 1963 to 1972, and a Congressman from 1957 to 1963.

His grandfather is Manuel Roxas, the fifth president of the Philippines.