Manny V. Pangilinan: ‘I only think about running in the marathon’

The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, commends the Gilas Pilipinas Team who was with their manager and businessman Manny V. Pangilinan (seated second from left) Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014. Pangilinan and members of the basketball team that competed in the recent FIBA World Cup in Spain received a citation from the House. MARC CAYABYAB/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—For business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, running for vice president in 2016 is different from running his vast business empire.

Pangilinan, who was in the House of Representatives when he was commended by the chamber for the 2014 Fiba World Cup, said he never opened his doors to politics, even after Vice President Jejomar Binay personally asked him to be the latter’s vice presidential bet in 2016.

Binay has expressed his intention to run as president; it’s only a question of picking his running mate in the next polls.

“No. I only think about running in the marathon,” Pangilinan said when asked about running for public office.

He said being good at running a business is a different skill from running a country.

“I don’t think it necessarily translates. I think running the country is quite different from running businesses. For one to make that leap of faith so to speak is something that’s quite different,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan also said he never thought of running for public office.

“I never opened it. There’s nothing to close,” Pangilinan said.

He added that Binay personally spoke to him, but Pangilinan remained steadfast to his decision not to be involved in politics.

“We spoke. I respect the Vice President. He’s a good friend,” Pangilinan said.

Asked what the conversation was about, he said: “It’s a private conversation. I’m only good in business and sports.”

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