IN the Philippines, politics and show business are no strange bedfellows. Through the years, the country has been (and still is) under the influence of different officials – be it Mayor, Congressman or Senator, majority of which came from a family of renowned politicians and showbiz personalities.
Not that we are saying that they are all inefficient and less worthy of the position they have. However, most of the politicians in the country today seem to ride on their title not because of their being and abilities, but rather their fame and mass effect, or the ‘masa’ charisma as told by many.
The ongoing plunder investigation of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) involves several prominent personalities, including Sen. and actor Bong Revilla. During his privilege speech at the Senate on June 9 to defend himself and his family in his alleged involvement in the alleged pork barrel scam, Revilla not only prepared a speech, but also an audio-visual presentation, which used his original song, ‘Salamat Kaibigan.’
As expected, there was an overwhelming negative reaction towards Revilla’s speech, particularly from netizens who flooded social media sites to share their dismay over the senator’s “performance.”
Just like with the Church, there seems to be some difficulty to separate show business from the State’s affairs. It should be noted that Revilla’s father, Ramon Revilla Sr. is an actor and a former senator. His wife, Lani Mercado is also an actress and now a Congresswoman. Majority of their children are also in showbiz, and slowly dabbling into politics. President Aquino is not spotless on this matter as well, as his youngest sister, Kris, is one of the most influential showbiz personalities in the Philippines.
In a 2002 article by Luz Rimban for the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), she wrote that before the 1960s, the only actor to have conquered national politics was then matinee idol Rogelio de la Rosa, who won a seat in the Senate in 1957. He also ran for president, but withdrew due to lack of campaign funds. In those days, that was the closest opportunity an actor could have to be president. Then again, showbiz and politics have change since 1950s.
Decades later, there was Joseph Estrada, an actor, in his most important role in his life as President of the Philippines. The barrage of showbiz personalities came, and just like the Marcoses and Romualdez who established their own dynasties in Ilocos and Leyte, Estrada built his in San Juan, something that the Revillas in Cavite and Lito Lapid did in Pampanga.
At present, there are more showbiz personalities coming into politics. Some start at the bottom in their local governments to learn, some are more ambitious and go for the highest position they can. Not all succeed, of course – while others who do get in have honorable intentions to serve the people.
Still, many of those who make it try to bring with them a script, cameras, a director and yes, even produce their own music videos; making a mockery of our already failing political system.
It is our hope that those stars in position be smart enough to leave the movie cameras behind. The country needs more than a song and dance number to get where it needs to be.
Having fame and popularity is an enviable asset, one that can win a place in national politics and fight political machinery. Years ago, stars were just invited to entertain voters in political rallies. Today, showbiz personalities can be elected and shine in the theater of Philippine politics.
(AJPress)
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