Lorenzana says he considered Senate run, but…

MANILA, Philippines—Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he thought of running for senator for the 2022 elections but eventually decided not to, putting an end to speculations that ran for months within military circles.

“Two months ago, I sat down, did an honest to goodness assessment and used a decision grid— a useful decision-making tool,” he said in a statement.

“After much thought and a serious talk with my family (who are against it), I have decided not to run,” said the 73-year-old official who also leads the government’s pandemic response.

Among the biggest factors he considered in his decision against a Senate run were family support, impact on his health and funding.

Two political parties have tried to include him in their Senate slates, he said.

Lorenzana, the candid defense secretary known for his views that differed with President Rodrigo Duterte’s stance in the West Philippine Sea and other matters in foreign policy, said that a number of people who have looked up to his track record have reached out to him, asking him to run for office.

“I would like to apologize to those who reached out for support and those who feel let down by my decision… I shall continue with my present job and strive to finish it on a high note,” he said.

Lorenzana, a retired Army general and a former diplomat, was appointed as defense secretary by Duterte in 2016.

TSB