Joey de Venecia drops Senate bid

In a statement sent to Tiangco, De Venecia said he is "humbled" to be included on the UNA senatorial lineup and grateful to Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and former President Joseph Estrada for their support.

 

But De venecia said that if he decides to run for the Senate, he said that his business efforts in the BPO, call center, technology, and other sectors will be affected.

 

"Since I am a pioneer in the call center and broadband technology business, my direct involvement in these industries is necessary; which means that if I run for the Senate, I will have to delay these private sector initiatives until I finish my term in office," he said.

 

"Through these businesses, I have the opportunity to provide investments and jobs forour country immediately today. Through these businesses, I have the opportunity to help government realize Filipino aspirations especially among the poor immediately today," he added.

 

He likewise said that his "time in the Philippine Senate will come" and that it is very clear public service is supposedly "part of [his] life's mission."

 

"I have therefore decided not to run for the Senate in 2013. Instead, I will pursue these immediate business endeavors bringing investments and jobs to our country. In so doing, I shall have achieved through business what I will only begin achieving through the Senate," he added.

 

Tiangco said that they have yet to decide who will replace De Venecia.