MANILA, Philippines- Edu Manzano admits that he is often tempted to run for a position in government again because of his passion for public service.
“I always get tempted. I enjoy public service. I don’t enjoy the politics side. Serbisyong totoo ang gusto ko talaga,” Edu said in an interview Wednesday.
The actor served one term as vice mayor of Makati City in 1998. He ran but lost to then reelectionist Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay in 2001. He also served as chairman of the Optical Media Board from 2004 to 2009.
Even as he is now outside politics, Edu said he still provides public service, especially now that he is part of TV5’s “Face the People.”
Meanwhile, Edu gave his son, Luis Manzano, an advise who is reportedly planning to pursue a career in politics.
“If ever you go for public office, tigilan mo na ‘yong telebisyon. Tigilan mo na ‘yong pelikula. Kasi it’s unpatriotic,” he said. “Kasi ikaw, e, ibinoto, hinalal para kahit paano’y iangat ang kanilang klase ng buhay tapos makikita ka sa telebisyon, kengkoy, kumikita nang malaki. So it’ll be unfair.”
“Hindi kailangan may TV show ka para makita ng tao ang sensiridad mo,” he added.
Meanwhile, with the celebrity couples getting engaged and married this year, Edu was asked if he’ll be surprised if Luis proposes to Angel Locsin as well.
“Sa nakikita ko, magugulat ako kung hindi siya mag-propose. Do’n ako magugulat,” he said laughing.
“Mayro’n silang mga priorities in life. Kayo nakikita n’yo na ang buhay ng entertainment. Minsan hanggang two years ka lang, bigla kang mawawala. So ang point ko okay Luis kasi and Angel, nakita mo ang galing ng kanilang iniisip—maghanap-buhay, mag-ipon.”
Yet like what Edu would always tell his children and the media people, “ang magulang ay walang karapatan na makialam sa pribadong buhay ng kanilang mga anak.”