Over reports he's running again, no interest from Gullas, no closing of doors, too

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu first district congressman Eduardo Gullas downplayed perceptions that he is interested to go back in Congress in 2016, a position he held for 18 years, from 1992 to 2001 and from 2004 to the 2013.

"I will be hypocrite if  I say I did not miss it (being a legislator) but you have to go on. I am happy as of now with University of the Visayas. After all, education is public service," Gullas said.

Gullas added that he is proud of his grandson, Rep. Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas Jr., who he thinks is faring good at the Congress being the House assistant majority leader.

Samsam is currently holding the position as the youngest member of the 16th Congress at the age of 29.

Gullas said Samsam was not into the position as his replacement as he ran unopposed in 2013 as representative of Cebu province's first district, where he won with a total of 153,514 votes.

Gullas has been recently visible during activities and programs in the first district. The first district is composed of Talisay City, Minglanilla, City of Naga, San Fernando, Carcar and Sibonga.

But Gullas explained that he only attends if Samsam could not make it since Samsam is out of the district from Monday to Wednesday and only comes back days after.

The former congressman admitted that he misses his work at the Congress and added he is not yet closing his doors to politics.

Before running for Congress, Gullas used to be the assistant vice president for finance and administration University of the Visayas, which his family runs. He was also the team manager of the UV Lancers, a champion collegiate basketball team.         

The elder Gullas once held the second highest House post. He was elected to replace Manuel Roxas II as House majority leader when the latter resigned his post in 2000 to join then president Joseph Estrada's Cabinet as secretary of trade and industry.

The former congressman also served as Cebu governor in 1976 and from 1980-1986. (FREEMAN)