Raul Jr. prefers to have his parents enjoy life outside politics
If Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr. is to be asked, he prefers to have his family including his parents to live a simple and peaceful life and not to spend the rest of their lives in politics.
Gonzalez's reaction was in response to the announcement of his mother Dr. Pacita Gonzalez to run as city mayor in 2010. However, the early declaration of his mother to join the mayoral race in the next election is not a surprise to their family. She used to be a political figure in Zambales.
Gonzalez said he is in no position to tell his parents not to join politics. However, he wants that other Gonzalez siblings who will pursue the family's political ambition.
"I could not also blame my parents especially my mother for having interest in politics. Both of my grandparents from the father and mother side are also politicians. I was even once a reluctant candidate," said Gonzalez.
"Our parents have been in politics even when we were still young. We could understand how they want to continue their lives in politics. The secretary (Raul Gonzalez Sr.) was asked by his physician to take a rest after he suffered from bleeding ulcer. He refused to heed the advice," Gonzalez added.
Gonzalez attributed his father's ailment to the tension, much work and his erratic eating schedule. It was the first time that he suffered such pain. We thought all the while, the secretary has stomach upset until he was brought to the hospital, said the younger Gonzalez.
The elder Gonzalez was advised to take at least three weeks to rest but the doctor's advice fell on deaf ears as he continued to work as the secretary of Department of Justice. He likewise ignored the request of his children to take a break.