MANILA (UPDATE) —Seeking a return to office, former Vice President and long-time Makati City mayor Jejomar Binay formalized his Senate bid on Thursday, his first attempt at the chamber after decades in politics.

Binay, 78, filed his certificate of candidacy past 11 a.m. at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City, where the Commission on Elections had set up a tent for COC filing as part of anti-COVID measures.

Binay is running under the senatorial slate of the tandem of Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

What prompted him to run again for office, he said, is how Filipinos "have been deeply neglected."

"The first priority should be helping the 4 million Filipinos who lost their jobs, the over 3 million families who are experiencing hunger, and the thousands of small businesses who had no choice but to close down," he said in a statement.

He has been vocal about his displeasure about the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With decades of experience in public service, Binay aims to rebuild the country's economy, reform the health care system and put first the safety and welfare of Filipinos.

"I have been in public service for more than 30 years. This is what I will offer to our people," he said.

Binay leaped to the vice presidency in 2010 straight from the mayoralty, rising to power through mass support from voters who identified with his story of overcoming poverty.

He lost his 2016 presidential bid and his attempt to represent Makati City's first district in 2019.

• Kid Peña stuns ex-VP Binay in Makati 1st district congressional race

The long-time politician had stayed private until last year, sharing his thoughts on state affairs on social media, and joining a petition against Duterte's controversial anti-terror law.

• Ex-VP Binay, Saguisag lead lawyers' group in petition vs Anti-Terrorism Act

He recently released a book on his life story.

Binay's eldest daughter Nancy is in the middle of her second term in the Senate, while daughter Abby is current Makati City Mayor.

Abby filed last week her certificate of candidacy for a third term in office.

• Abby Binay files for 2022 candidacy, seeks 3rd straight term

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

Watch more in iWantv or TFC.tv