Last Monday’s elections were probably one of the most star-studded. I’m referring not only to actor-politicians but also to candidates who have showbiz affiliation. As everybody must have known by now, popularity is a double-edged weapon. It can either make or unmake a candidate. It’s not a guarantee that a popular actor is winnable.
More than 70 actors and showbiz-affiliated candidates ran in the May 10 elections. Early returns indicate that half of that number are winning and/or leading. Let’s take a look at how some of them are faring.
Except for three, the rest of those who ran for president (including Sen. Manny Villar, Sen. Dick Gordon, Gibo Teodoro, Eddie Villanueva and JC delos Reyes) have already conceded to Liberal Party standard-bearer, Sen. Noynoy Aquino who is leading former Pres. Joseph “Erap” Estrada by a few millions. If and when he makes it to Malacañang, Noynoy will go down in Philippine history as the first ever bachelor president — unless he gets married while in power, in which case it will also be the first time for a Philippine president to tie the knot in the Palace.
As it is, Noynoy will have not just one but four First Ladies in the persons of his sisters Ballsy, Viel, Pinky and Kris (Noynoy’s omnipresent “weapon” during the hotly-contested campaign).
In the senatorial race, reelectionist Bong Revilla is at No. 1, followed by also reelectionist Jinggoy Estrada at No. 2. Others who are, as of the latest count, in the Top 12 are relectionist
In the congressional race, greenhorn Lucy Torres (fourth district of Leyte) is leading even if she was a last-minute replacement for her husband, Richard Gomez, who was disqualified by the COMELEC for lack of residency.
“It’s a vindication for Richard dahil matagal na siyang inaapi,” Lucy told Funfare in a brief phone interview yesterday. Even if she does make it to Congress, Lucy said that she will continue her showbiz career as host of Q11’s Sweet Life, and co-host of TV5’s Shall We Dance and Power on 5 (PO5). “Richard will be a big help in my work as congresswoman.”
Others leading in the same race: incumbent Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte (Quezon City, proclaimed), Manny Pacquiao (Saranggani), Dan Fernandez (Laguna), Lani Mercado (Cavite), incumbent San Juan City Mayor JV Ejercito (San Juan City), Anton Lagdameo (Dawn Zulueta’s husband, Davao del Norte), Gina de Venecia (Pangasinan), incumbent Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco (nephew of Mel Tiangco, Navotas City) and former First Lady Imelda Marcos (Ilocos Norte).
Reelectionist Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos seems to be winning by a landslide. Others who are leading in the gubernatorial race: Incumbent Pagsanjan Mayor ER Ejercito (Laguna), Imee Marcos (Ilocos Norte) and reelectionist Junjun Ynares (Rizal).
For board member, those leading are: Christopher de Leon (Batangas), Angelika Jones (Laguna) and Teri Onor (Bataan).
Leading in the mayoral race are: Incumbent Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista (Quezon City, proclaimed), reelectionist Mayor Mon Ilagan (Cainta, Rizal), reelectionist Mayor Strike Revilla (Bacoor, Cavite), John Rey Tiangco (Toby Tiangco’s brother, Navotas City), Maita Sanchez, (ER Ejercito’s wife, Pagsanjan, Laguna) and Guia Gomez (San Juan City).
For vice mayor, those leading are: Joy Belmonte (Quezon City, proclaimed), incumbent Isko Moreno (Manila, proclaimed) and incumbent Councilor Abel Acosta (real name: Tony Patawaran, Baliuag, Bulacan).
For councilor, those who are winning are: Alfred Vargas, Gian Carlo Sotto and Roderick Paulate, Quezon City; Marjorie Barretto, Caloocan City; Yul Servo and Edward Maceda, Manila; Monsour del Rosario, Makati City; Maybeline dela Cruz, Dagupan City; and incumbent Councilor Shalani Soledad (Noynoy Aquino’s girlfriend), Valenzuela City.
(E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com)