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Luis Manzano still undecided about politics

Luis Manzano says he has to learn more about politics and government should he decide to seek public office /NPPA Images

Luis Manzano is one proud son because of his mother, Batangas Govenor Vilma Santos’ good track record as public servant.

The actress-politcian, who has been sitting as Batangas Governor for seven years, placed seventh in the recent Pulse Asia survey for 2016 top senatorial bets.

Grateful

“Thank you very much, it just goes to show, kasi when my mom ran for mayor, she didn't dream of higher office, she wanted to be a mayor. She became a governor, hanggang doon lang ang gusto niyang mangyari,” Luis said at the press conference of the “The Voice of the Philippines” second season on Thursday, October 23.

He added that Vilma’s good standing in the survey speaks a lot about her performance in government.

“The fact that the people want her to run for higher office, it's not that mom wants to run for higher office, it means iba yung tiwala sa kanya ng tao at bihira iyon sa isang pulitiko na sila ang may gusto na tumakbo ka. Kadalasan kasi yung ibang pulitiko, mag-mayor pa lang iyan, iniisip na niya ang pagiging senador siya, or pagiging vice president kaya hindi na naasikaso yung local position nila.”

For now, Vilma would rather focus on her duties as governor rather than aspire for higher political office.

Consulting the right people

“My mom wants to focus on her given position. So, noong nag-mayor siya (in 1998, when she started her political career) , she wanted to become a mayor, nothing else. Then they wanted her to run for governor. Salamat sa lahat ng nagtiwala sa mommy ko,” Luis said.

Is he willing to follow in Vilma’s footsteps?

“I've been talking to a few people. I've been consulting the right people. No one is influencing me. No one’s telling me not to pero I still have to make up my mind very soon,” Luis said.

Parents’ advice

In a previous interview, Luis said Vilma and his dad Edu Manzano are letting him decide if he will join politics or not. However, if he decides to run, they advise Luis to be “properly equipped.”

“They never influence me. They never imposed na ‘Anak, tumakbo ka, huwag kang tumakbo.’ Kung ano man ang gagawin mo, make sure you are properly equipped. You have to study. You have to be there, katulad ng ginawa ni Mommy.”

Meanwhile, his relationship with girlfriend Angel Locsin is getting stronger. Luis doesn’t feel pressured to propose to Angel despite endless questions about marriage plans.

Organic and natural

“I want it to be as organic, as natural as possible and walang outside forces or external factors that will push me to propose. If ever I will propose to Angel, it's not because of anything else but our love.”

Luis’ co-hosts in the second season of “The Voice of the Philippines” are Toni Gonzaga, Alex Gonzaga and Robi Domingo. The show will start airing on Sunday, October 26.

“This season ibang experience naman for me dahil nilibot ko ang Pilipinas at nakita ko ang amazement at tuwa kapag ibibigay ko na ang envelope. Minsan sinorpresa ko sila at kinamusta bago sila sumalang sa blinds. So I got to know their (sources of) inspiration and motivations.”