Senator Joel Villanueva denied on Saturday, June 12, that his father, House deputy speaker and CIBAC Partylist representative and evangelist Eddie Villanueva has plans to run for higher posts in the 2022 elections.
While saying he cannot speak for his father, Sen. Joel dismissed the possibility of Bro. Eddie running anew for the Philippines' highest elective post.
"Obviously we are not interested to embark on a journey to the Presidency esp after the tragedy that the family has gone through the past year," the senator told reporters.
Bro. Eddie, was listed as one of the nominees of the 1Sambayan opposition coalition for its presidential and vice presidential candidates for next year's polls.
He ran for president in 2004 and 2010, but failed in both bids.
Last year, the Villanueva family grieved the loss of their matriarch, Adoracion Villanueva, and Bocaue, Bulacan Mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna, who died less than two months apart.
"Just the same, we appreciate the trust and confidence shown by this coalition," Sen. Joel said.
Aside from Bro. Eddie, the 1Sambayan also listed Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Grace Poe, Batangas Representative Vilma Santos-Recto, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno.
Poe, Santos-Recto, and Diokno thanked the opposition group for the nomination, but also said they do not aspire or plan running for president or vice president.