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MANILA – While topping the polls, reelectionist Sen. Cynthia Villar on Tuesday said she would not exert any effort to run for president in 2022, leaving the future to "destiny."

In an interview with DZMM radio, Villar said she would not give in to persuasion even if she topped the 2019 senatorial race.

“I have to study and see this through, 'pag ganitong position natin maraming nag-uusap talaga (if we are in this position, many will talk), ‘wag kang mabababaliw doon kasi (don't go crazy because) you have to know yourself,” Villar told DZMM.

“Ako hindi ko pa iniisip 'yun pero I don’t think so unless ibigay sa akin ‘yan on a silver platter, I’m not going to exert any effort to be a President. I’m really convinced you can work hard, makukuha mo sa sipag at tiyaga ang pagiging Senador pero ang pagiging presidente is destiny. I really believe that,” she said.

(I don't think about it but I don't think so unless it is given to me on a silver platter. I'm not going to exert any effort to be a President. I'm really convinced you can work hard, you can become a senator with diligence and determination but becoming president is destiny, I really believe that.)

Villar's businessman husband, former Sen. Manny Villar, ran for president in 2010 but lost his bid.

In March this year, Forbes named him the richest Filipino, with an estimated net worth of $5.5 billion, up from last year's $5 billion.

Manny Villar chairs Starmalls, one of Philippines' largest mall operators, and is also founder and chairman of Vista and Landscapes, the largest homebuilder in the Philippines.

• Manny Villar is now PH's richest man

When asked if she would gun for the Senate presidency instead, the lawmaker said: “Managing the Senate is a full-time job, I can do that but I don’t like that kind of work.”

Being Senate President would mean giving up her chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food and the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, she said.

“Magaling ako magbigay ng trabaho eh. I’m a business graduate, I know when a business is sustainable or not, magaling rin ako mag tayo ng business because alam ko kung saan ako kikita o malulugi so tinutulungan ko 'yung mahihirap na makatayo sila ng business para kumita sila,” Villar said.

(I am good at giving jobs. I'm a business graduate, I know when a business is sustainable or not, I am good at business because I know where I will earn or lose so I help the poor to establish their own business to make money.)

Villar is on track to top the senatorial race after garnering 24,479,209 votes as of 3:50 p.m., based on 95.02 percent of election returns.

• Cynthia Villar on course to top Senate race