Aquino to shun elective post after presidency

President Benigno Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–You won’t see President Benigno Aquino III running for another government position in 2016, at least according to him.

When asked about the possibility during a media forum’s Christmas party on Thursday, Aquino said he wanted instead to rest and pursue another path after he steps down as President in 2016.
“After 2016 I think the foremost on my mind, together with my Cabinet, is to take at least a yearlong break and recharge and recover from all the tensions, turmoil, concerns over the past 6 years by that time,” he said.

“I think I will try to look for a means to serve in another capacity rather than elective office,” Aquino said at the Bulong Pulungan Christmas party held in Pasay City.

He pointed out that “there are very many roles that can be done not just in politics.”

“And perhaps I owe it to those closest to me, especially my sisters for instance, and even some of my staff, who have been with me since Congress, they are all looking forward to some time off,” he said.

Aquino did not specify where he will work after his term but he said he dreams of writing a book to share his experiences.

“But more importantly, we’d really want to interact with the youth and really help shape the next generation so that we don’t repeat the same mistakes. And exactly what form? I’m not exactly sure at this point in time. We are concerned with today’s issues,” he said.

It is not the first time that Aquino has expressed his preference to take a break after 2016. After being accused of pushing for a second term, Aquino in August said he had been envisioning the day after his term ends.

He will spend that day eating delicious food, Aquino said in jest. He said he would also have a streamer with the word “freedom” set up behind his seat as he eats.

Aquino’s predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, sought a seat in Congress as representative of Pampanga after her term. Former President Joseph Estrada ran but lost in his 2010 comeback bid. Estrada won the mayoral seat of Manila in 2013.

Asked what he will do when a new President is sworn in in 2016, Aquino said he would go back to his house on Times Street, Quezon City, “relishing in that point, and perhaps looking forward to the following day when I don’t have to wake up too early.”

“I can laze around and get used to living in Times again. Then perhaps visit the neighborhood… the supermarket and the fast food joints all around,” Aquino said.

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