MANILA - Host-actor Edu Manzano, resigned chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB), is still undecided on whether he will run for senator in next year's elections.

Many people have been encouraging him to join politics but he is still “contemplating” about it, Manzano said.

"I guess mas nagiging maugong kasi lumabas na naman iyong bagong survey. Nasa top 12 pa din tayo, so, hindi maiiwasan iyong sinasabi ng iba na maaring sumabak sa politika," Manzano told abs-cbnNEWS.com in an interview before his taping for his game show "Pilipinas: GAME KNB?" Wednesday.

The actor-host was referring to the latest Pulse Asia survey wherein Manzano ranked No. 11 in the top 12 senatorial preferences. According to the survey, 34.9 percent of the respondents would vote for him in 2010 polls.

In March, survey results also conducted by Pulse Asia showed that Manzano could end up in 6th to 12th place if elections were held then.

According to Manzano, there is no formal offer from any political party yet amid reports saying that the administration was asking him to join its senatorial slate. Manzano confirmed, however, that he is talking to “some individuals, some of whom were party leaders of different parties.”

When asked what political party he would like to be part of, he said its platform of government is “very, very important.”

"Lahat kasi ng tao pinag-uusapan ay ang problema, puro hinanakit sa gobyerno pero wala pang nagsasalita tungkol sa kanilang solusyon. Madaling magreklamo pero [mahirap] ang pag-iisip ng tamang solusyon. So I would like to see kung ano ang plataporma of government.

"We are not anymore just a mere third world nation. We are part of a big community already. We have to work with our neighbors… So, I'm looking for [a] party, I'm looking for people who can lead this country, people with solution," Manzano said.

Private sector

Speculations about Manzano seeking an elective post in 2010 mounted after he resigned as OMB head last week. Manzano, who was OMB chief for more than five years, said he did so because “maybe it’s also time to move on.”

He divulged that he might end up joining the private sector, citing an offer asking him to become Asian Intellectual Property Alliance's country manager in the Philippines.

"At least may laya ako. You have more freedom to be able to address the concerns of the stakeholders. Sometimes, you are limited by the government. And I admit that through the years I have been able to create a base; put it this way, support from the police, from the stakeholders at iba pang members ng private sectors who have interest sa piracy," he said.

Love or politics?

Amid speculations about Manzano’s political plan, rumor of him marrying his girlfriend of almost five years is also mounting.

Manzano admitted that he and seasoned broadcast journalist Pinky Webb hope to tie the knot this year.

"It will not be a big wedding, it will not be a showbiz wedding. Marami pa kasing dapat pag-isapan pa doon. I mean, we have been together for, magfi-five years na kami on October 19. So let's say it's a very serious relationship," Manzano said.

He also rebuffed speculation that the two of them will only get married to boost his chances in 2010 polls.

"Relationship should not be used to further someone's ambitions. That's my opinion," he maintained.

Manzano and Webb recently flew to the United States to take a vacation. He said he and Webb visited their respective families there. He also attended a conference in the US. -Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnNEWS.com