Jeric Teng shows his certificate of candidacy. The former UAAP star will run for councilor in Gumaca in Quezon Province.–Photo from Jeric Teng’s Instagram
MANILA, Philippines — Basketball player Jeric Teng has thrown his hat into politics and will run for councilor in Gumaca, Quezon Province.
Teng, who last saw action for Quezon Huskers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), announced on Tuesday that he filed his certificate of candidacy for a local position in Quezon province.
“Alam ng aking pamilya at ng mga malalapit sa akin na simula pagkabata ay pangarap ko na maibahagi ang aking sarili para sa mas malawak na layunin at makatulong sa nakararami,” wrote Teng, who was accompanied by his parents Alvin and Susan in filing his COC.
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“Naging instrumento ko ang hilig at talento ko sa basketball upang magbigay inspirasyon sa mga kabataan na abutin ang kanilang mga pangarap at maghatid ng mensahe na walang impossible kung tayo ay magsusumikap.
“Now, with much contemplation and constant prayers, I feel that it’s the right time to use a different platform to give back and inspire more people beyond sports and into other aspects that can benefit our community,” he added.
Teng, who had a storied UAAP career with University of Santo Tomas, competed in the PBA from 2013 to 2019. He was selected 12th overall by Rain or Shine in the draft and also suited up for Mahindra (Terrafirma), and GlobalPort (NorthPort).
READ: Jeric Teng delighted to play for ‘player’s coach’ Guiao at Rain or Shine
He then took his act to the MPBL where he saw action for Pasig from 2019 to 2021 before playing for Quezon in 2023.
The 33-year-old Teng, whose younger brother Jeron plays for San Miguel Beer in the PBA, expressed his eagerness to serve Gumaca, Quezon.
“Sa pamamagitan din ng mga natutunan at napagaralan ko, gusto kong makatulong sa mga kababayan natin sa abot ng aking makakaya. I hope to initiate programs that support the progress of our community,” he said.
The former UST star is one of the many basketball athletes, who threw their names for the 2025 midterm elections including San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and councilor James Yap, seeking for reelection.