‘According to the research by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation,
there is “rigorous evidence that [celebrity] voices are incredibly powerful”’
It’s crunch time before the mid-term elections on Monday, and top celebrities have come out, not only entertaining the audience, but actually making known their choices so that the voters may consider them on the upcoming polls.
Take the case of Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis. They have taken to social media to put in a good word or two for Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
Ditto Vice Ganda, who has also thrown his support behind another senatorial aspirant. “Kesa naman kung sinu-sino lang ang pumasok sa Top 12, ang boto ko – kay former DILG Secretary and MMDA Chair BenHur Abalos,” Vice said.
In Anne’s case, she added former COA head Heidi Mendoza and lawyer Luke Espiritu to her list.
A-List actors and League of Filipino Aktor leaders Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado have revealed their choices, too.
The “Kupuso Primetime King” is backing his mentor in public service, Bam Aquino. “Bam and I go way back — I’ve known him since grade school, when we still called him Bam-bam. Since 2014, we’ve stood side by side advocating for youth-centered policies and even hosted a few shows together over the years — #DongBam Assenshow. Haha!
“But beyond all that, what I’ve always respected and admired about Bam is his integrity, consistency, clear vision, and a track record that speaks for itself — all anchored by a genuine heart for service.
“Now that we’re both fathers, our conversations naturally drift toward family — our kids, and the future we hope to help shape for them. It’s always reassuring to catch up with friends who stay true to their purpose and continue to find ways to turn hope into action.
“Some of the best moments are simple: a warm merienda, a few shared laughs, and a quiet reminder of why we keep doing what we do.”
Last weekend, we saw Piolo Pascual and Iza join the motorcade for Bam Aquino. They are also both supporting Kiko’s return to the senate.
Iza said, “Isang malaking karangalan ang makasama sa motorcade ni Senator Bam Aquino sa Metro Manila. Sa maikling panahon na nakasama ko siya, nakita ko agad ang puso niya para sa tao. Sabi niya gusto niyang nasa gilid ng sasakyan para makamay ang mga tao. Sabi rin niya, hugger siya. Nakarelate ako kasi hugger din ako.
“Ramdam ko ang pagmamahal ng mga tao, lalo na ng kabataan, para kay Bam. Dalawang beses akong naging saksi sa mga taong nagpasalamat dahil nakapagtapos sila ng kolehiyo dahil sa RA 10931 o ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act na isinulong ni Bam. May isang pamilyang nag-abang para lang magpasalamat. Pero ang pinakanaantig sa damdamin ko ay isang lalaking nagngangalang Rey na nag-abot ng sulat kay Bam dahil nakapagtapos siya ng kolehiyo with honors dahil sa batas na ‘yon.
“Naalala ko: ganitong tao ang kailangan natin sa Senado. May puso. May paninindigan. May ginagawa.”
In Cebu yesterday, Gary Valenciano, Kuh Ledesma, Nikki Valdes, Pinky Amador, Darren Espanto joined Piolo Pascual and Sharon Cuneta for Kiko.
Phi Palmos, lead star of Newport World Resorts’ “Delia D.” musical, echoed the call for support for Kiko. “Presented with credentials like what Kiko has, a lawyer with solid accomplishments like the Sagip Saka Act for the farmers, he also pushed for the Expanded Maternity Leave Act and the permanent validity ng birth, death at marriage certificates and health emergency benefits and allowances for health workers and the increase of the social pension para for the indigent senior citizens, we don’t have to think twice about voting for him. Walang bahid ng pandaraya at korupsyon.“
Tomorrow, Regal heiress Roselle Monteverde continues her Mother Lily’s legacy and will be hosting a press con for former DILG secretary and former MMDA Chair BenHur Abalos.
Boots Anson Roa, Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (MOWELFUND) chairman of the board, along with the top producers of the country, will be there to support Abalos, because, according to her, “During his term in the MMDA, he supported us in Mowelfund and made available the help needed by the members especially during calamities and disaster situations.
“It was also during Secretary Abalos’ term that we had the MMFF fluvial parade (to decongest the Metro traffic) and the film ‘Kun Maupay It Panahon’ won Best Picture. Despite the threat of torrential rains and still the Covid situation, with his love for the film industry, Secretary Abalos pushed through with the MMFF!”
According to the research by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, there is “rigorous evidence that [celebrity] voices are incredibly powerful” in promoting civic engagement and altering polling numbers.
A reputable news organization abroad quoted Ashley Spillane, the author of the study, who said, “Right now, young voters have relatively low levels of trust in a lot of leaders and institutions, including traditional news media — but celebrities are often a rare exception.
“The evidence is clear that, using their powerful platforms, these influential figures can encourage and empower more everyday voters to use their voices and exercise their civic rights.”
Given such findings, we hope that these celebrity voices will be real game changers.
