|
By Johanna M. Sampan, Reporter
The 2010 elections are shaping up to become a star-studded event, as
many show-business personalities are eyeing to run for public
office.
Already, a number of celebrities from the movie
and television business are sending signals—some not
subtle—suggesting an interest to seek public office next year.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Bong Revilla
Jr. are most likely to seek reelection, even as fellow television
personality Edu Manzano is reportedly preparing to join them in the
Senate. Manzano is the country’s anti piracy chief.
Actress Lani Mercado, wife of Revilla, told The
Manila Times that her husband originally wanted to run for vice
president. But he changed his mind after his father, former Sen.
Ramon Revilla Sr., observed that it’s too early for his son to run
for the second-highest office in the land.
Mercado also harbors political ambition. She
might run for congresswoman of Bacoor, Cavite, she said.
“We are still waiting for the decision if
Cavite will now have seven districts instead of the original three
districts. If it will have seven districts, then I will run for the
position,” she told The Times.
Also from the Revilla clan, Bacoor Mayor Strike
Revilla, will run for reelection next year.
National posts
Last year, there was talk about Batangas Gov.
Vilma Santos-Recto – the so-called “Star of All Seasons” –
considering a bid for the vice presidency. She was being paired with
Sen. Manuel Villar Jr., who had announced plans to run for president
next year.
The Times tried to get an update from the
governor, but her staff said she was in New York. They also refused
to comment on her political plans for 2010.
But former President Joseph Estrada is
apparently less coy about announcing the opposition’s likely
senatorial candidates. His list includes Grace Lamazares Poe, the
daughter of the late Philippine movie King Fernando Poe Jr.
For that matter, Estrada also mentioned the
television news anchor Ted Failon – who is embroiled in a probe
into the recent shooting death of his wife, Trinidad.
Another likely change in the Senate roster
involves Sen. Lito Lapid. His staff member confirmed reports that he
wants to again run for governor of Pampanga province. He held that
post for three terms before seeking a Senate slot.
What’s more uncertain are the plans of former
cager and ex-Pasig City Rep. Dodot Jaworski. His wife, actress Mikee
Cojuangco, told The Times, “We are not closing the doors yet [to
making another bid for public office]. There’s always a
possibility, but he hasn’t decided yet. But if he decides to run
ill be behind him 100 percent.”
She did not say what position her husband would
seek in 2010. Jaworski lost in the 2007 race for Pasig mayor.
Another athlete, boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao,
is also reportedly eyeing another attempt to enter the House of
Representatives. Perhaps there will be announcements after his
upcoming fight with Britain’s Ricky Hatton.
Meanwhile in Quezon City, actress and Councilor
Aiko Melendez is reportedly poised to run for Congress next year.
Not running
Contrary to rumors, TV host Boy Abunda said he
would not run for public office in his hometown of Borongan, Eastern
Samar.
“I’m not planning, I have a contract in ABS-CBN
until 2011 so I won’t be running.” Abunda explained that while
his contract doesn’t overtly said that he cannot run for public
service, he can’t run because of his product endorsements.
Abunda added that news about him running for
public office started late last year, when he commented on his show
“The Buzz” that he will run for a position in his home town if
the government officials there wouldn’t do their jobs well. He
made the comment after seeing the dilapidated conditions of Leyte
roads.
He also said that his co-host, Kris Aquino,
“will not on 2010” adding that “she is very much qualified
because she understands what public servant is all about.”
He also stressed that Aquino is still underage
to run for Congress. The Constitution requires a representative must
be at least 35 years old.
“I don’t speak for Kris Aquino, but the last
time that we discussed politics she considers to run for Vice
President on 2016 but not next year,” Abunda said.
Local positions
Other celebrities said to be running in 2010
include Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista, who would
reportedly gun for the mayorship in 2010.
A number of showbiz personalities are reportedly
set to make a political debut by running as city councilors. Among
them are actors Jomari Yllana in Parañaque and in Quezon City,
actors Alfred Vargas, Dan Alvaro, Arnel Ignacio and Ara Mina.
For his part, comedian-actor Arnel Ignacio told
The Times, “I will run for councilor in first district of Quezon
City.” He is now busy with a livelihood program there.
If successful, these showbiz personalities will
join Yul Servo, Lou Veloso Jr. and Cita Astals. They are all plan to
seek reelection in Manila as city counselors.
|
