Lights, camera, politics

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Politics has become an alternative career in the Philippines for people whose showbiz lives have been wanting. The popularity and charm of movie stars can win votes especially from their fans who will do anything to support them.

But the great entertainment icons have shared their wisdom on this. “Comedy King” Dolphy once said, “Kung ako ay papasok sa pulitika, isa lang ang ikinatatakot ko, ito ay ang manalo.” Box office star and long time “Eat Bulaga”host Vic Sotto explained why he never forayed into politics, “You don’t have to be in politics to be of public service. Because with ‘Eat Bulaga,’ it’s more of public service.”

Similarly the phenomenal Vice Ganda said, “Ano, ipapahamak ko ang Pilipinas? Not because you can win, you will run.”

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We have collated a list of showbiz and online personalities who have filed their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 elections and it seems that they are focused in their bids for relevance in Philippine politics.

For Local Posts

* Arjo Atayde, current representative of the 1st district of Quezon City — running for congressman, Quezon City

* Marco Gumabao — running for Congressman of the Camarines Sur 4th District 

* Enzo Pineda — running for councilor, Quezon City

* Alfred Vargas, current councilor of the 5th district of Quezon City — running for councilor, Quezon City

* Alex Castro, current vice governor of Bulacan — running for Vice Governor Bulacan

* Rosmar Tan, vlogger — running for  councilor Manila City

* JC Parker, current councilor in Angeles City — running for councilor, Angeles City, Pampanga

* Ion Perez — running for councilor, Concepcion, Tarlac

* Vilma Santos-Recto — running for governor Batangas

* Luis Manzano — running for vice governor, Batangas

* Isko Moreno, running for Mayor of Manila

* Raymond Bagatsing, running for Mayor of Manila

* Yul Servo, current vice mayor of Manila — running for vice mayor, Manila City

* Victor Neri – running for Makati Mayor

* Direk Lino Cayetano – running for Congressman Taguig

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* Richard Gomez, current Congressman of Ormoc seeking for re-election

* Lucy Torres-Gomez, current mayor of Ormoc City — running for mayor of Ormoc City

* Lou Veloso — running for councilor, Manila City

* Ervic Vijandre – running for re election as San Juan councilor

* Lani Mercado-Revilla, current representative of the 2nd district of Cavite — running for Congresswoman, Cavite

* Jolo Revilla, current representative of the 1st district of Cavite — running for m Congressman, Cavite

* Aiko Melendez, current councilor of the 5th district of Quezon City — running for councilor, Quezon City

* Shamcey Supsup — running for councilor, Pasig City

* Anjo Yllana, running as Vice Mayor of Calamba, Laguna

* Angelica Jones, running for board member of 3rd District, Laguna

* Emilio Garcia, running for Mayor of Bay, Laguna

* Paulie Yllana, running as councilor of Calamba, Laguna

* Ryan Yllana, running for councilor of District 2 Paranaque

* Abby Viduya, running for Councilor, District 3, Paranaque

* Aljur Abrenica — running for councilor Angeles, Pampanga

* Maricel Morales – running for councilor in Angeles, Pampanga

* Dan Fernandez, running for governor of Laguna

* Gem Castillo, running for vice governor of Laguna

* Matthew Mendoza – running for Palawan City Councilor

* Wendell Ramos – running for councilor of Manila District 4

* Marjorie Barretto — running for councilor , Caloocan

* Angelika dela Cruz — running for Vice Mayor , Malabon

* Direk Bobet Vidanes – running for Vice Mayor of Pililia, Rizal

* Ara Mina — running for councilor, Pasig City

* James Macasero of Moymoy Palaboy, running as Councilor of Malabon

* Mark Roque (brother of Dominic Roque) as councilor of Malabon

* Neil Coleta, running for councilor of 4th District, Dasmariñas Cavite

* Ejay Falcon, current vice governor of Oriental Mindoro — running for Congressman, Oriental Mindoro

* Michael Pacquiao, running for Councilor of General Santos City

* Diwata (real name Deo Balbuena), vlogger — running under Vendors party list

* Bayani Agbayani – running for Congressman, Tupad party list

* Zanjoe Marudo — running under ASAP NA party list

* Nora Aunor — running under People’s Champ Movement

For National Posts

* Marc Gamboa, vlogger — running for Senator

* Tito Sotto, host — running for Senator

* Bong Revilla, actor, current senator — running for Senator

* Lito Lapid, actor, current senator — running for Senator

* Philip Salvador, actor — running for Senator

* Willie Revillame, host — running for Senator

* Manny Pacquiao, sportsman, actor – running for Senator

* Jimmy Bondoc, a singer, law school graduate – running for Senator

The candidacy of stars have made netizens chiming in punchlines, like, “When you’re bored, travel or watch Netflix. Hindi ‘yung bigla kayong nagfifile ng Certificate of Candidacy.” Or “’Yung line up ng ilang partido, parang pinapakilala lang ang cast ng new season ng ‘Bank Heist.’”

And this one: “Puro influencers at artista ang tatakbo. Public service po ang papasukin niyo, hindi Star Magic Ball. Awa na lang.”

This prompted director and Film Development Council of the Philippines Jose Javier Reyes to say, “At the rate things are going, the next Film Academy Awards will take place at the Batasan.”

What makes showbiz people turn to politics? One is their sense of purpose and relevance. They may be looking for something else to do, especially when media work seems to be scarce or limited. Two, let’s face it, some may turn to politics for power and money.

A new study by Harvard University’s Ash Center for Democratic Givernance and Innovation, found that celebrities do play an influential role in promoting civic participation.

“While some polling shows that people claim they aren’t influenced by celebrity voices when it comes to politics, more rigorous evidence indicates that these voices are incredibly powerful,” the Harvard study states.

“Celebrities are uniquely positioned to empower everyday Americans to use their voices and exercise their civic rights.

“Celebrities are an unparalleled force in American culture, informing what we buy, what we wear, and what we talk about. With their significant influence and reach, they are powerful advocates for social and political causes.”

But is this the case in the Philippines too? Remember, we came from a National Elections when the biggest A-lister stars and entertainers endorsed national candidates who lost. It is the same polls when the number 1 elected senator is an actor.

When there is a dearth of information on candidates in mainstream news and social media, name recall and media narratives prevail, especially in far flung areas.

According to the report: “Celebrities have a unique ability to connect with younger generations in ways that mainstream media and other get-out-the-vote efforts may not be able to.

“Their control of and presence on social media positions them as centralized sources of information to be tapped into and utilized by those looking to increase voter participation.”

Certainly, celebrities can help create a culture of participation, making things fun and accessible. But more than that, the voters should focus on skills and character.

Are they fit for the job? Have they taken necessary steps in being a potentially excellent lawmaker or local leader? If they are incumbents, what have they done while they are in public office?

Actress Kylie Padilla threw in a valid criteria in voting for public servants , showbiz or not, “A good indicator of a great leader is a man who can lead his family. Raise his kids with good values and integrity, love his wife and remain loyal despite obstacles. A man who has a heart close to God. Service is about what you can do for others, not what they can do for you.”

Our country is truly wanting for new politics and non- traditional leaders. We have placed some of the most influential actors in government, but what have they done to help our industry in crisis? Moreover, have they become the leaders our nation needs?

In the end, we vote for people that are extensions of our values and aspirations as a Filipino. Simply put, given the extensive list of celebrities here, who among them do we want to become – to be better people of God and citizens of our country?

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