While many politicians and aspiring ones (first-timers and re-elections including losers and sour grapes are already busy prematurely campaigning although lawfully allowed, former senator Joey Lina is steadfast in his decision to just stay out of politics.
Although Joey has maintained friendships with a lot of politicians from all spectrums, he is still on the periphery of the field.
When I talked to him recently, he said that he isn't interested in running for public office anymore.
"I just want to live an ordinary life," Atty. Lina said when we paid him a visit in his Manila Hotel office.
Joey is the President of the oldest premier hotel in Manila and he has been running the show for more than two decades.
After his Senate stint and later, as governor of the Province of Laguna, Joey devoted his time to presiding over The Manila Hotel.
He must be trustworthy enough to be assigned responsibilities with the hotel.
It was during Lina's tenure when The Manila Hotel was recognized at the 31st World Travel Awards, commonly referred to as the Oscars of the travel industry.
Sadly, though, after Joey had accepted the recognition, his mom, Dionisia "Isiang" David Lina died on September 14, 2024.
Aling (a term of endearment and respect to an old woman) Isiang was interred at the Licab Cemetery in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija after a mass at the RBN Chapel.
Lina's mother was 102.
It was a life fully lived by Aling Isiang.
Victoria, Laguna's Pride Joey Lina sets aside political comeback
"Panginoong Diyos, maraming salamat sa halos 103 taon ng makasaysayan, mabunga, at makabuluhang buhay na ibinigay mo sa aming Nanay (Lord God, thank you for almost one hundred three years of historic, fruitful and meaningful life that You gave our Mother).
Nanay, salamat sa ekstraordinaryong pagmamahal, pagmamalasakit, at pag-aaruga mo sa amin, iyong 12 anak, kasama si Pepe, ang iyong asawa (Mother, thank you to the extraordinary love, concern and care you showered us, your twelve children with your husband Pepe)."
Atty. Lina has roots in Victoria, Laguna.
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonStories #JoeyLina