MANILA, Philippines -- Joey Marquez would rather be remembered as a public servant than as an actor.

Joey Marquez. File photo

The 55-year-old actor-host, who rose to fame for his role in the sitcom "Palibhasa Lalake" in 1986, said he considers showbiz as a source of living. His career as a public servant, on the other hand, is his way of leaving a legacy.

"Mas gusto ko maalala ako as a public servant, kasi iba 'yung naaalala ka sa trabaho, iba 'yung naaalala ka sa legacy mo eh," Marquez said at the sidelines of a recent press conference for his upcoming comedy film "Raketeros."

Marquez, who is one of the co-hosts of the ABS-CBN entertainment talk show "Showbiz Inside Report," first served in political office as vice-mayor of Paranaque City from 1992 to 1995. He then had three terms as mayor in the same city until 2004.

The comedian is currently preparing for his campaign leading up to the May mid-term elections. He is running for a congressional seat representing the second district of Paranaque.

This, he juggles with the ongoing filming for "Raketeros," which brings together other comedians like Ogie Alcasid, Dennis Padilla, Herbert Bautista and Andrew E.

"Kasi kung pulitika lang at pag-aartista, ten times ang kikitain ko sa pag-aartista," he said. "Kaya lang, mas maganda siguro na may naaalala sayo ang tao eh, na may nagawa ka, kaysa na maalala ka na nagpapatawa ka lang."

"'Yung pag-aartista ko, trabaho ko to eh, ito ang hanapbuhay ko. 'Yung pagigin public servant ko, ito 'yung gusto kong manahin ng mga anak ko, na 'pag laki nila, 'pag nabanggit 'yung pangalan ko, napapangiti ang tao," he said.