When actor and film and concert producer Joed Serrano filed his certificate of candidacy in September, he made it known that his advocacy was to train the spotlight on the rights of LGBT community members.
He also wanted to push for lower electricity rates and water bills as well as the standardization of rural and urban minimum wage.
On Thursday, Dec. 16, Serrano announced that he is no longer joining the 2022 elections.
In a statement Serrano shared with Manila Standard Entertainment, he explained that he was surprised upon learning that a campaign budget amounting to P800 million is part of the requirement for him to join the senatorial race.
“Hindi kaya ng aking kalooban ang laro ng pulitika kung saan ang mga tao ay sanay magbitaw ng mga pangako na sa huli ay napapako lamang,” his statement read.
“Ayokong baguhin ang sarili ko at sa huli ay tawagin lang ‘mambobola. P800 million daw ang kakailanganin ko para sa kampanya, na sa bandang huli ang ginastos ay babawiin lang sa taumbayan pag nakaupo na,” his statement also said.
Serrano ended his statement by saying that he might still consider going into politics in the future.
“Di man ngayon, pero maaring bukas makalawa o sa panahong kawayan uli ako ng mas malakas ng tawag na serbisyo totoo at paglilingkod.”