Romualdez ‘open’ to another Senate run; no final post yet for 2022 polls

MANILA, Philippines — House Majority Martin Romualdez said Monday he is open to suggestions for his move in the 2022 national elections — including a possible run in the Senate.

In an interview with ANC, Romualdez said there are still factors to be considered in making his decision for his move in next year’s elections, but as of now, he has yet to make a final decision on which post he will gun for. The House majority leader earlier said he will run in the 2022 elections.

Asked what he will do if former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, president emeritus of Lakas-CMD party, asks him to run for a Senate seat first before seeking an even higher post, Romualdez said: “I’m open. I’m open to any suggestions.”

Romualdez serves as the president of the Lakas-CMD.

In the same ANC interview, Romualdez claimed that it might not be a good option to run for the vice presidential post if President Rodrigo Duterte is also gunning for the position in the 2022 elections.

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez with President Rodrigo Duterte after a private dinner at Bahay Pagbabago. FILE PHOTO

Romualdez’ name is being bandied about as a possible vice presidential candidate after no less than Duterte earlier said he wouldn’t run for vice president should Romualdez decide to vie for the same post.

Duterte said he made the promise to Romualdez when the latter faced off against several others for the position of House speaker in 2020.

Romualdez ran for a senatorial seat in the 2016 national elections. He, however, lost after placing 15th and garnering 12.3 million votes.

EDV