Manila, Philippines – In a country where politics and showbiz are often intertwined, entertainment figures have long played a vital role in the Philippines’ political landscape.
We’ve seen our fair share of celebrities nominated (and win) public office seats. But apart from these celebrities turned politicians, artists who don’t seek positions in government have also been vocal about their political beliefs, especially in recent years. (Read: Pros and Cons of Celebrity Interviewing Political Candidates)
Given the large following, these parade figures, whether through official endorsements or simply expressing their support on social media, can influence the public’s opinion of a particular candidate.
In the upcoming 2022 national election, many celebrities have already announced who they will vote for. Some also joined rallies or appeared in advertisements to show support for their chosen candidates.
Here are some of them:
Bing Laxon – Tito Soto
Several members of the showbiz Sotto clan have shown support for the Lacson-Sotto tandem, including Tito’s brother Vic, Vic’s wife Pauline, and Tito’s daughter Ciara. Celebrity couple Kristen Hermosa and Oyo Soto also appeared in an advertisement for Tito.
Actress Ewa Muto, who is married to Bing’s son Bambi Laxon, also endorsed the tandem.
eat bulaga Hosts Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola also performed at one of the tandem ad gatherings.
Pong Pong Marcus – Sarah Duterte
Actress and host Tony Gonzaga is a loyal UniTeam supporter and has performed on many campaign trips.
Carla Estrada, who testified as a candidate for the party-list group Tingog Sinirangan, a group best known for voting to reject ABS-CBN concession renewal, was also present at several UniTeam campaign rallies.
Other celebrities who have performed at UniTeam campaign gatherings include rappers Andrew E, singers Randy Santiago, Issai Alvarez, Robert Sina and Lica Giranud. Bands such as Aegis, Silent Sanctuary, South Border, and Plethora were among the artists.
Showbiz personalities such as Nora Honor, Dolce, Echo Melendez and Roderick Paulette also campaigned for Marcos Jr. and Duterte on their social media accounts.
Celebrity-turned-politicians also endorsed Lucy Torres Gomez and Richard Gomez Marcos Jr. for president.
Manny Pacquiao – Leto Atenza
Musician Freddy Aguilar, who sang at Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration in 2016, chose to endorse Pacquiao. He was one of the artists in the march of the Pacquiao advertisement.
Beauty queen-turned-actress Bianca Manalo was also seen at several Pacquiao-Atienza ad rallies in support of her partner, re-elected Senator Wayne Gachalian.
Lenny Robredo – Kiko Pangilinan
Among the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, the Robredo-Pangelinan tandem can be said to have garnered the most endorsements from local celebrities.
As early as October 2021, when Robredo announced her candidacy for the presidency, many celebrities such as Jim Paredes, Pokwang, Rita Avila, Lara Quigaman and Enchong Dee expressed their support for the sole candidate.
When campaign season officially started, many stars also joined Robredo and Pangilinan’s nationwide rallies. Even a Facebook page called “Celebrities for Leni” featuring art cards of showbiz characters expressing why they voted for Leni, has garnered 17,000 followers as of the time of writing.
Among those present at the Robredo and Pangilinan campaign rallies, celebrities were Janine Gutierrez, Angel Locsin, Donnie Pangilinan, Elijah Canlas, Cocuy de Santos, Sherry By Pikachi, Agut Isidro, Nikki Valdez, Rica Peralejo, Edo Manzano, Gap Valenciano, Robbie Domingo. Canteferos, Jake Igercito, and Marjorie Barreto’s family.
Regen Velázquez, Uji Alcacid, Sap Magalona, Jean de Leon, Charmaine Poincamino and Noni Poincamino also expressed their support for Robredo and Pangillinan on social media.
Actress Nadine Luster also rallied behind the tandem at a press conference.
Ann Curtis also reposted several clips from Robredo Pangilinan’s Pasig march, while actor Daniel Padilla was also seen with the Robredo campaign poster.
Apart from these celebrities, many musicians and OPM performers have also performed in Robredo and Pangilinan campaign trips. The list includes Ely Buendia, Jona, Noel Cabangon, Moonstar88, Ben & Ben, Autotelic, Rivermaya and Itchyworms.
Did we miss any celebrity backers? Let us know in the comments section! – Rappler.com
