Giving in to the request of his 82-year-old father, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has officially turned down offers for him to run for vice president in 2010 elections.

In an exclusive interview with “SNN: Showbiz News Ngayon,” the actor-turned-politician announced that he is instead seeking reelection.

Revilla made this decision after his father, former senator Ramon Revilla Sr., asked him “in tears” to forgo the idea of running in next year’s elections.

“Nakiusap sa’kin in tears ang daddy ko, ‘Anak, you’re still young, don’t be in a rush. ‘Wag kang magmadali baka madapa ka.’ Sabi niya, ‘baka yan pa ‘yong ikamatay ko.’ Sabi ko, ‘daddy, daddy, relax, ka lang, I will not run for vice president, senator lang,’” the young Revilla said. 

He added:  “Kahit pilitin tayo ng partido, ibabalato ko muna ito sa aking ama.”

On the other hand, Revilla’s wife, actress Lani Mercado, has laughed off reports that she is pursuing politics.

The senator’s wife, however, admitted that she was offered a position at the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) late last year. She, however, declined the offer then due to several soap opera projects lined up at that time.

“It was offered to me again this April so wala pang kumukuha, so pinag-iisipang mabuti,” she said.    

CITEM is an export promotions agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.