Bam Aquino scraps Senate return to become Robredo's campaign manager instead

Former senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV declared on Thursday that he will not run for senator in Eleksyon 2022 to focus on his duty as the campaign manager of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo.

Aquino said it was Robredo's wish for him to be her campaign manager.

"Hiniling niya (Robredo) sa akin na maging kaniyang campaign manager sa kinakailangan ngunit napakahirap na laban na ito," said Aquino in a statement.

(She asked me to be her campaign manager in this essential and daunting challenge.)

"Bagkus mayroon nang paghahanda patungo sa ating pagkandidato bilang senador muli, minarapat ko na isantabi ito para sa mas mahalagang laban para sa ating bayan," he added.

(Eventhough we are already preparing for my return to the Senate, I will set this aside to help in this fight for our country.)

Earlier in the day, Robredo formally announced her presidential bid. She filed her certificate of candidacy hours later.

As a campaign manager, Aquino further said he will throw all his support to ensure that Robredo will become the next president of the Philippines.

Aquino served as senator from 2013 to 2019. He sought reelection in 2019 but lost after he placed 14th in the senatorial race.

He is a cousin of late and former President Noynoy Aquino III and nephew of democracy icon and former senator Ninoy Aquino Jr.—Consuelo Marquez/AOL, GMA News