Veteran journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas has confirmed that her husband, former Senator Mar Roxas, has decided not to pursue another return to politics.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, August 6, at TV5’s midyear trade event, Korina said Roxas is now more inclined to live a quieter life after years in government and electoral politics.
“Ayaw na niya, e. And I get it, you know,” saad ni Korina.
She also revealed that Roxas had previously been approached about taking on a television hosting role, but she discouraged him from accepting the offer.
“Inaalok nga maging talk show host, sabi ko, ‘Tumigil ka. Naging presidential candidate ka na, huwag ka na mag-host-host ka ng programa diyan,” paglalahad ni Korina.
When asked about reports that Roxas had been offered a position in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Korina acknowledged that he had received offers but said he was not interested in returning to government.
“Ang alam ko, may mga alok siya. Pero alam mo, pati ako hindi yan sinasabi sa akin. May mga alok siya pero alam ko ayaw na talaga niya,” saad nito.
Korina explained that although her husband remains interested in serving the public, he would only consider doing so if the opportunity matched his interests and experience.
“Gusto niya ng public service, but it has to be the right position. Maybe, I guess, the positions offered to him are ‘been there, done that,’ you know,” saad ni Korina.
Roxas first entered elective politics as representative of Capiz’s first congressional district, a position he held from 1993 to 2000.
He later served as secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry from 2000 to 2003 before becoming a senator from 2004 to 2010.
Roxas subsequently joined the Cabinet again, serving as transportation secretary from 2011 to 2012 and as secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government from 2012 to 2015.
His political career also included unsuccessful national electoral bids. He lost the 2010 vice presidential election to former Vice President Jejomar Binay, was defeated by former President Rodrigo Duterte in the 2016 presidential race, and failed to regain a Senate seat in the 2019 elections.