One thing's for certain—next year, the elections will be another star-studded event.
In recent decades, entering the political arena has been one career option for actors, actresses, broadcasters, and other celebrities. Their fame, personal charisma and popular appeal promise them an easy win.
Political analysts have often asserted, however, that showbiz celebrities' lack of experience in governance and public service prove that they don't deserve seats in government. Although the criticism may be true, several winners from showbizlandia have already shown that they have what it takes to lead their constituents. Some, however, did fail.
Here is a list of celebrities who have expressed their desire to run next year.
NATIONAL POSITIONS. Action star and former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada is conducting the "last performance of his life" by running for the same position again. Estrada was removed from power in 2001, and was convicted of plunder in 2007. He was granted executive clemency on condition that he would not seek public office again. (CLICK HERE to read related story.)
Actor and TV host Edu Manzano delivered his acceptance speech today, November 19, as the running mate of Defense Secretary and presidential aspirant Gilbert Teodoro. Acknowledging an endorsement by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Lakas-Kampi-CMD's former chairperson, Edu said, "Ang tugon ko sa hamon ng pagkakataon ay... Game na!" The statement was an allusion to his former game show, Pilipinas, Game KNB? (CLICK HERE to read related story)
Former broadcaster and TV host Loren Legarda recently announced her decision to be the running mate of presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Villar. This is the second time that the environmentalist Senator is running for vice president. She lost to fellow broadcaster Noli de Castro when she ran as Fernando Poe Jr.'s running mate during the widely-contested 2004 elections. (CLICK HERE to read related story)
Action star and Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. is seeking re-election. Running under Gilbert Teodoro's Lakas-Kampi-CMD banner, the former Cavite governor is a close ally of President Arroyo. In the Senate, he succeeded in legislating a law that reduces the amusement tax for local films. (CLICK HERE to read related story)
LOCAL POSITIONS. Bong Revilla's wife, actress Lani Mercado, is vying for a congressional seat in Bacoor, Cavite next year. Mercado previously ran for mayor of the same town in 2001, but she lost in an election allegedly marred by massive cheating. (CLICK HERE to read related story)
Actor and TV host Richard Gomez is going to run for congressman of Ormoc City. Gomez ran for a seat in the Senate in 2007 as an independent candidate, but he lost by a wide margin.
Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao wants to run for congressman of Saranggani. Previously, Pacquaio ran for congressman of Cotabato City. He lost to Darlene Custodio.
Batangas Governor Vilma Santos is seeking re-election, in spite of attempts to woo her for the national elections. The Star for All Seasons and her husband, former Senator Ralph Recto, recently moved out of Gibo's Lakas-Kampi-CMD to join Noynoy Aquino's Liberal Party. (CLICK HERE to read related story)
Action star and Senator Lito Lapid plans to run for governor of Pampanga. He is included, however, in the partial list of the administration party for the senatorial race next year. Some of the bills he spearheaded are a bill that gives tax breaks to lawyers who give free services to the poor, a bill that requires proposed laws to be written in Filipino, and a bill banning the use of staple wires in food packaging. Lapid has been criticized for his absences and non- participation in Senate sessions.
Actor and TV host Cesar Montano has announced his plan to run for governor of Bohol in 2010. The Singing Bee host previously ran for senator under the Team Unity coalition in 2007, missing victory by more than three million votes.
Actor and current vice mayor of Quezon City Herbert "Bistek" Bautista wants to run for mayor. His political plan has already been endorsed by incumbent Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., and his slated running mate will be Belmonte's daughter Joy.
Actress Aiko Melendez is going to run against Joy Belmonte in clinching Quezon City's vice mayoralty. Melendez boasts three terms as a city councilor.
Actor and current Manila City Vice Mayor Isko Moreno wants to be re-elected to the same position. He recently announced that he would run with current Mayor and re-electionist Alfredo Lim.
Sexy actress Ara Mina will run for councilor of Quezon City's Second District. In an interview, she said she wants to follow the path of her grandfather Mel Mathay and father Chuck Mathay, who were elected mayor and congressman, respectively.
Sexy actor Alfred Vargas is also running for councilor of Quezon City's Second District. Vargas said he wants to try politics because he really wants to help. He even deferred his MBA studies just to prepare for the elections.
Lastly, sexy comedienne Angelica Jones has expressed her intention to run for board member in Laguna's Third District. In an email to PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), she will "sacrifice" her showbiz career to get an electoral position because she loves her constituents.