Magsaysay belies report he will run under LP in 2019

Ramon Magsaysay Jr. INQUIRER.NET FILE

Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. said he had no plans of returning to the Senate, contrary to reports that he would be part of the Liberal Party (LP) senatorial ticket in 2019.

“I have never been approached recently to run as candidate under the Liberal Party ticket in 2019, nor have I any intention to do so, given my advancing years,” Magsaysay said in a statement Monday.

“Since my political retirement in 2007, I am quite happy with civilian life, which gives me more time to spend with family and run my modest business.”

“I would rather voters consider the more dynamic, younger and fearless generation as their future legislators who are guided by their principles and genuine intent to serve our country and people,” Magsaysay added.

A photo circulating on social media mentioned 12 possible LP senator bets for 2019, including Magsaysay.

Other names supposedly included in the slate were former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, incumbent Sen. Bam Aquino, former Senator Teofisto Guingona III, former Pampanga Governor Eddie Panlilio, former Quezon Representative Erin Tañada, Reps. Jose Christopher Belmonte of Quezon City, Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands and Gary Alejano, and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Also supposedly running under the LP are Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and Northern Samar Rep. Raul Daza, and Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, who is allied with LP.

Read: LP scrambles to complete its senatorial slate for 2019 elections

Like Magsaysay, Lagman, Daza and Belmonte have denied being on the LP’s list of its probable senatorial candidates. /cbb