Sen. Nancy Binay (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Nancy Binay said Friday she is not running for higher office in 2022, noting how politics has been always “brutal” to her family.
“Being elected into office for the second time, it is more than enough blessing for me — a mother and a housewife who started as an intern — to be given the extraordinary privilege to serve,” Binay said in a statement.
“But I want to end all speculations. I am not running for higher office,” she said.
Binay, whose term in the Senate will expire in 2025, issued the statement when her name was listed as one of the possible 2022 bets of the newly-formed “1Sambayan” led by retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.
VICTORY IN UNITY Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales, and former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (in background pictures) lead the new political coalition 1Sambayan that aims to put up a full unified slate for the 2022 national elections to ensure victory against Duterte administration candidates. —RICHARD A. REYES
Carpio said the group had already met with Binay and other prospective candidates like Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Grace Poe, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, and former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.
While thankful that she was considered by the group, Binay explained the reason why she could not take on the challenge.
“Many may not know–opposite to the lure of public office–politics is always brutal on the family than on the politician. Sadly, that has been always true to us,” she went on.
“As a mother of four, I cannot subject my family again to the ugly brand of politics, the injustices, the sustained attacks, the lies, and how it stained and wounded us.”
“I don’t want my family to be transported back to the grim era when we were demonized na parang kami na yata ang pinakamasamang nilalang sa buong universe. Indeed, goodness of heart is deeper than the eyes can see,” she further said.
Binay’s family was hounded by controversies, especially when her father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay was running for the presidency in 2016.
Despite her decision not to seek a higher post next year, the senator recognized the importance of building a coalition that would articulate the voices of many Filipinos, who are longing for a “better governance and more stable future” especially at this time of the pandemic.
“We know that we continue to tread a difficult road, and we need someone who can unite us far greater than divide us. Someone who can inspire hope in the midst of all the adversities,” she said.
Like any Filipino, Binay said it is also her wish to see a “better Philippines.”
“I believe that our leaders must have a clean track record; have an upright stand on difficult and uncomfortable issues; have clear-cut plans in addressing the country’s problems, and must have a strong moral compass.”
“For now, I will remain as your senator, your public servant, and be the voice for those who can’t speak,” she added.
/MUF
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