Deputy Speaker Vilma Santos-Recto said Thursday she was not running for any position in 2022, citing the challenges of campaigning during the pandemic.
The former Lipa City mayor and Batangas governor, who was the "Star for All Seasons" in TV and movies before joining politics, did not say whether or not she was retiring for good.
"After careful consideration of the present situation, especially the limitations in conducting a campaign during a pandemic, I have decided not to seek any elective post in the May 2022 elections," Santos-Recto said in a statement.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Vilma's husband, previously said she was thinking about running for senator in the 2022 polls while he would run to replace her in Congress.
On Tuesday, Recto filed his candidacy to represent the sixth district of Batangas.
Despite her decision, Santos-Recto said she would continue serving her constituents.
"Nandito pa rin po ako para maglingkod sa inyo. I have been serving the public for more than 23 years and will continue to serve in the best way I can, even in my private capacity," she said.
Santos-Recto was among the nominees of the 1Sambayan opposition coalition for president and vice president in the 2022 elections. She and her husband earlier declared their support for the presidential candidacy of Manila Mayor Isk Moreno, whom they praised for his pandemic efforts.
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