Celebrities Should Think Twice Before Running for Public Office
The title of this post says it all.
And the results of the recent elections confirm it. It’s not just Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano, Tito Sotto, and Victor Wood who have been given a dose of what I hope is the new reality of Philippine politics.
Manny Pacquiao, our dear Pacman the boxer, appears to be on the verge of being knocked out of the South Cotabato congressional race. If only he had listened to us…
Actor Lito Lapid, who’s a senator (by I don’t know what miracle), didn’t measure up in Makati either. Encumbent mayor Jejomar Binay easily won that race. Honestly, I was surprised that Lito Lapid decided to run in this most sophisticated of Philippine cities. Makati is the financial district, for goodness’ sake. I don’t imagine that its residents are easily blinded by the razzle dazzle of showbusiness.
Actor Christopher de Leon, who ran for Batangas vice-governor, is a mere third in the race.
The only celebrities I know of who are doing well in their bids are Vilma Santos, three-time mayor of Lipa City and now almost-governor of Batangas; and Herbert Bautista, running for reelection as Quezon City’s vice mayor.
Just to be clear that I don’t have anything against celebrities in public office, I’m glad for the victories of Vilma and Herbert. I was skeptical at the very beginning of Vilma’s political venture years ago. But she has proven herself up to the task of being mayor. I have heard how hardworking she is and how good she was in the office she held. Lipa’s progress speak volumes, and I hope that she can do the same for the province of Batangas.
Herbert started out as an actor, but when he sought public office, he started humbly and small. Councilor was his position (not the Senate or Congress). He’s been in politics for so long, that he’s not really a “celebrity candidate” anymore. He’s a bonafide public servant, who learned the ropes the old-fashioned way: from the bottom of the rung.
My congratulations to the deserving winners, and the Filipino voters who took their responsibilities to heart.
Some good reading about this topic:
Philippine stars dim in midterm elections (International Herald Tribune)
Showbiz celebrities lose luster in polls (Inquirer.net)
Tags: Philippine elections, Filipino voters, Vilma Santos, Herbert Bautista
6 Comments
maybe that means the pinoy voting public have FINALLY come to their senses.
regarding Manny Pacquiao, he doesn’t need to run for public office to serve the people. He already has his Manny Pacquiao Foundation, why he should not stick on his philantrophic ventures other than boxing and business?
Congratulations to the Filipino voters for being smart and mature with their votes.
Raising the Pinoy masses consciousness to the ill effects of voting for candidates that do not have any experience in good governance paid off. Now it’s going to be a tough uphill climb for these new leaders to work on a new beginning. Hope is alive again! Mabuhay ang lahat ng mamamayan na nagsumikap baguhin ang masamang takbo ng liderato ng bayan. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
It really is the victory of the Filipino voters as much as anyone else.
I was thrilled to find out that most of the celebrity political candidates are barely making it in the polls
I’m sure they have only the best intentions, but they really should realize that they can serve the country in different ways other than running for public office.