Social media personality and entrepreneur Rosemarie Tan Pamulaklakin, known online as “Rosemar,” officially withdrew her candidacy for a local position in the May 12 elections on Thursday.
Rosmar, who is three months pregnant, submitted her certificate of withdrawal at the Office of the Election Officer of the Commission on Elections in Manila, citing personal reflections on the political landscape and her desire to focus on helping others without the constraints of office politics.
“Wala talaga sa puso ko ang pamumulitika” Tan shared on social media, explaining that she was initially encouraged to run by others who believed she could do more if elected. “Na engganyo ng mga nagpatakbo sakin na ‘mas marami daw akong budget sa pagtulong kapag nakaposisyon ako.”
“Sa totoo lang lahat ng partido na tatakbo sa pagka mayor sa Manila ay kinukuha akong under sa kanila. Pero never ako nag oo sa kahit anong partido,” she added.
But over time, her experience in politics left her disillusioned. “Marami nag advice sakin na wag na kasi marumi daw ang pulitika. Habang tumatagal lalo ako namumulat sa pulitika at para sa akin hindi maganda,” Rosmar said.
During the campaign period, she found herself stuck in a paradox. She had always believed that helping others came from the heart, no strings attached. But the rules of campaigning seemed to say otherwise.
“Naisip ko na di ako masaya mangampanya lalo na nung time na bawal na mamigay ng paayuda at pera sa mga taong nangangailangan kasi considered vote buyiiiing na daw un,” Rosmar recalled.
Rosmar’s decision to run was also influenced by her deep desire to help those in need, a passion that dates back to her childhood. However, she faced criticism, with some questioning her motives for helping others, believing it was tied to her political ambitions.
“Masyado na napasukan ng pulitika ang pag tulong ko sa mga tao na sinimulan ko nung ako’y bata pa. Ilan beses din ako hinusgahan na kaya lang pala ako tumutulong dahil may balak daw ako tumakbo,” she lamented.
“Marami akong natutunan sa pag file ko. Hindi porket alam mong kaya mo ay kailangan mo ng tumakbo. Mas masarap pa rin sa pakiramdam tumulong ng galing sa puso. Pag tulong na walang kapalit,” Roasmae added.
Despite stepping away from the political race, Rosmar promised her supporters that she would continue helping those in need. “Hindi man matuloy ang pagtakbo ko pangako ko sa mga taong nangangailangan. Pag takbo ko lang ang ititigil ko pero hindi ang pag tulong sa mga tao,” she said.
Rosmar thanked her supporters, including her family, friends, and colleagues. Reflecting on her decision, she concluded, “Wala akong pinagsisisihan kasi si Lord ang nagbalik sakin ng biyaya sobra sobra pa. Ganun talaga siguro kapag bukal sa puso mo ang pag tulong sa mga tao.”
Her decision to withdraw also comes with a personal milestone, as she shared that her pregnancy made her rethink her political plans. “Sabi ko rin kung mabubuntis ako… hindi ako dapat tumakbo and ayan na nga 3 months na kami ng 3rd baby ko.”
Her decision to not run for office was met with approval from her followers. Many appreciated her commitment to staying true to her beliefs rather than pursuing a political career.
