More stars in politics: Artists who intend to run in next year’s elections

LAST week yours truly wrote about some of the showbiz personalities running in next year’s Philippine elections.  Since the deadline to submit Certificates of Candidacies (COC) was last Friday, October 16; there were other stars who showed up at the Commission of Election (COMELEC) to file for their candidacies since my last column came out.

It’s Showtime co-host, actor and dancer Jhong Hilario filed his COC to run for council in the first district of Makati City.  His father, Virgilio Hilario, is serving his last term as Councilor and Jhong considers him as his role model.

“Nakita ko habang lumalaki ako na nasa politics siya, minahal siya ng tao, wala kang makikitang negative,” he said in an interview with Pep.ph.  “Bukod sa pagiging Kursilista niya, siya ang bumubuo ng mga kursilyo.”

Star for All Seasons and current Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto filed her COC also last Friday, Oct. 16 in her bid for a seat in Congress to represent Lipa, Batangas under the Liberal Party.  She was accompanied by her son, actor/host Luis Manzano.  (Luis’ father, actor Edu Manzano is also running for senator, while Vilma’s husband, Ralph Recto, is the current Senate President).

Another actor who is slowly going up the political ladder is Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno.  Last Friday, Isko filed his COC for senator.  Boxing champ and current Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao also arrived the COMELEC office last Friday to file his candidacy for senator.

Others who have also filed their COCs are:

•  Broadcaster Rey Langit, running for senator under UNA.

•  Actor and current Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista is seeking reelection.

•  Actress Angelica Jones, running for vice governor in Laguna under the Liberal Party.

•  Actor Dan Fernandez, running for Mayor in Santa Rosa, Laguna under the Liberal Party.

•  Comedian and Eat Bulaga host Tito Sotto, seeking for reelection as senator

•  Actor Mark Lapid (son of action star and Sen. Lito Lapid) running for senator under the Liberal Party.

•  Actress and current Paranaque City Councilor Alma Moreno, running for senator under UNA (her son, actor Vandolph Quizon is running for Councilor).

•  Former president and actor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, seeking reelection as mayor of Manila.

• Former beauty queen and actress Daisy Reyes, running for mayor in Pateros, Rizal.

•  Actor Roderick Paulate, running for Quezon City councilor.

•  Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin, running for congresswoman in Camarines Sur.

•  Actor Jolo Revilla, running for vice governor of Cavite, while his mother, Rep. Lani Mercado will run as mayor of Bacoor City, Cavite.

•  Former actor (and son of comedian Joey Marquez), running for vice mayor in Paranaque City.

•  Actress Charee Pineda, running for reelection as councilor in Valenzuela.

•  Actor Alfred Vargas, running for congressman in the 6th district of Quezon City.

Of course, there’s always the issue of who’s supporting who, spouses, children and friends who are in showbiz and know that their endorsement can pull in the right number of votes.

Like Megastar Sharon Cuneta, who has always been beside Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, who is running for reelection.  It also helps that Sharon’s daughter is actress KC Concepcion.

Presidential candidate Grace Poe has his father’s last name with her and her mother — veteran actress Susan Roces behind her candidacy.  Her vice president running mate, Sen. Chiz Escudero has also his wife, actress Heart Evangelista to support him.

Actress Toni Gonzaga and director Paul Soriano were said to be supporting Bongbong Marcos, who is running for vice president.