In the digital age, we have seen a growing number of Filipino celebrity entertainers who are not just voicing their dissent but also encouraging their followers to be socially aware and to make a stand against any wrongdoing and against any threat to the nation’s peace and development.
The recent revelations of systemic corruption in flood-control projects and public infrastructure have gotten people from all walks of life — from the sidewalk vendors and the taxi drivers, to students and bank employees, to the likes of A-listers Carla Abellana, Anne Curtis, Sarah Geronimo and Vice Ganda — riled up.
On the eve of the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law by ex-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., celebrities posted on their social media accounts the invitation to take part in the September 21 rallies in Luneta and EDSA Shrine. Julia Barretto posted the public service announcement poster on her IG story, same with Jodi Sta. Maria who also shared Scout Magazine’s post on what to bring to the rally (a.k.a. rally-ready starter pack). The star of “Lavender Fields,” who has 3.2 million Instagram followers, also included in her IG stories an infographic of the protesters’ demands to government: 1) eliminate corruption, 2) end political dynasties, 3) remove and jail erring public officials, 4) abolish the pork barrel and confidential funds, 5) make public the officials’ Statement of Liabilities, Assets and Net Worth (SALN), 6) and the return of the stolen funds back to the people.
For his part, Vice Ganda posted a series of IG stories to urge his 11 million followers not to remain a bystander amid the political turmoil. These IG stories included the quotes: 1) “Stand up for what is right, regardless of who is committing the wrong,” and 2) “Never worry about who will be offended if you speak the TRUTH. Worry about who will be misled, deceived & destroyed if you don’t.”
In his next posts, the “It’s Showtime” star’s admonition was loud and clear. He wrote, “Magsama sama tayong tumindig, maglabas ng galit sa korapsyon at sa mga politikong magnanakaw sa Edsa Shrine. Ninakawan ka na. Tinarantado ka. Pinahirapan ka. Tatahimik ka? Wala ng mawawa sa ‘yo. Ubos ka na. Pero may mababawi ka. Kung titindig ka. Halika na. Sasamahan ka namin. Edsa. Luneta.”
The stars did come out to the rallies. “Sunshine” lead actress Maris Racal was at Luneta and held a placard that read, “Lahat ng korap dapat managot!” Young actor Elijah Canlas, who is playing the lead in the biopic of ‘70s activist Edgar Jopson, came early to EDSA Shrine to attend the mass. In his IG story, Elijah posted a photo of himself at the site with the caption, “Ang tao, ang bayan, ngayon ay lumalaban! Maagang dumaan ng Edsa upang makiisa sa mapayapang pagprotesta laban sa lahat ng kuraot at abusado.”
Other celebs spotted at the rallies were Dingdong Dantes (who wore a black shirt with the statement “I dream of a corrupt-free Philippines” as he jogged with fellow protesters), Andrea Brillantes who waved the Philippine flag in Luneta, veteran actress Tessie Tomas who wore the protest color of white, actress Angel Aquino, beauty queen Joy Barcoma, directors Antoinette Jadaone and Joel Lamangan and many more.
Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda made good on their pledge to be present, so did Iza Calzado, Jodi Sta. Maria, Donny Pangilinan, Darren Espanto, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Ion Perez and Jackie Gonzaga.
Today, celebrities no longer just “push” products or a personality. Celebs use their face, name and voice to advocate for important causes. The choice to do so is more credible because love for country appears to be the overriding motivation.
The celebrities’ potential to shape the fate of the nation cannot be underestimated. ABC News reported on a 2024 study by the Harvard University Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation that said, “’there is rigorous evidence that [celebrity] voices are incredibly powerful’ in promoting civic engagement and altering polling numbers.”
The article, “Celebrities do have an impact on elections” published on abcnews.go.com, also noted that the study emphasized how a star’s “authenticity moves the needle on civic engagement.”
By looking at the massive engagement (comments, shares, likes) and reach of celebs’ political posts, we dare say that Vice Ganda and his fellow concerned artists are “enkindling flames.”
If our legislators and government leaders cannot put the corrupt in jail because of their own vested interests, let’s put our hope on ourselves, and the celebrities who are one with us in the fight.
