Actor Diether Ocampo reiterates that he is not running for any position in the coming 2010 elections. This is in connection with reports that the Star Magic artist is running in the south and is now talking with some people for political advice.
In a text message sent to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) through Star Magic's Ms. Rikka Dylim, earlier this afternoon, January 23, Diether said: "There is no truth to that news that I am running for local office, neither that I am consulting anybody for any political advice. I am not interested or aspiring for any seat in the southern part of the country mainly the Mindanao region, where a lot of Muslim brothers and sisters are in need of support and inspiration from people like us."
Diether has done his part in extending help to others, the youth in particular, through his K.I.D.S. [Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan] Foundation. According to its official website, kidsfoundation.org.ph, the foundation is a "non-profit, non-political, non-secretarian organization that seeks to uphold children's rights."
This is not the first time that Diether has denied running for public office. In his interview with PEP contributor Melba Llanera last October 2008, he said that he doesn't need a position in government to help.
"Matagal na akong inaalok para sa isang lokal na tungkulin sa Cavite, pero ilang beses na rin akong tumanggi dahil hindi ko talaga linya ang pulitika. Ngayon pa lang, sinasabi ko na kaya kong tumulong sa abot ng aking makakaya sa pamamagitan ng aking K.I.D.S. Foundation, pero hindi ko kailangan ng posisyon sa gobyerno para lang tumulong, lalo na sa mga kabataan natin.
"Maraming lumalapit sa aking mga pulitiko at nakikipag-ugnayan para sa kanilang mga proyekto. Huwag sana sumama ang kanilang loob at ako'y humihingi ng paumanhin kung hindi ko mapagbigyan ang hiling nila. Kami ay non-political organization. Gumawa sila ng sarili nilang proyekto at kami'y susuporta na lamang. Kung anuman ang maibibigay naming kontribusyon basta makakatulong tayo sa mga mahihirap na mamamayang Filipino, lalo na sa mga kabataan namin, bukas kami dun," said Diether.
As for his showbiz career, Diether created quite a controversy late last year when news broke out that the homegrown ABS-CBN talent reportedly signed "a maximum four-year contract" with GMA-7. But the deal did not work out and the actor decided to stay with ABS-CBN.
Although nothing is official yet, Diether's name has been linked to two upcoming ABS-CBN soaps: Buhay ng Buhay Ko with Angel Locsin and Sam Milby, and the Pinoy adaptation of the hit Mexicanovela Rubi as the leading man of Angelica Panganiban.
Last January 10, Diether was spotted with a mestiza-looking girl at the launching of a ladies' footwear line. The actor refused, however, to talk about his date.