MANILA, Philippines - Following actress Alma Moreno's declaration of her plan to run for senator, two more celebrities have confirmed their respective bids: Aga Muhlach and Onemig Bondoc.
Having lived a fulfilled, decades-spanning career as a multi-awarded actor, Aga will apparently attempt to stretch his horizon by running for congress. His target? Camarines Sur, one of the country's top travel destinations.
Last March, it was reported that Aga registered as voter in one of its municipalities, San Jose. Though born and raised in Manila, the Kapamilya-turned-Kapatid actor reportedly has relations to the Amador and Borja clans from the towns of San Jose and Goa, where his father is from.
"I'm really targeting congress. Alam na naman nila sa Bicol kung anong tinatakbo ko talaga. Malayo pa naman ang pagre-rehistro, sa October pa 'yan. But we're all set, do'n na 'ko tumitira talaga," said he in an interview aired on "Paparazzi Showbiz Exposed," May 26.
His wife, former beauty queen Charlene Gonzales, has previously expressed her support of whatever her husband sets out to do.
Meanwhile, after nearly a decade of reduced visibility in showbizlandia, Onemig is making quite a noise now with his pronouncement that he's eyeing a vice-gubernatorial seat in the province of Bataan.
Although a newbie in politics, Onemig looks to have a solid vision for his political path.
"Hindi lang naman kasi isang bayan ang gusto kong tulungan sa Bataan kundi ang buong Bataan. Since I'm a beginner, I think ang pinakamaganda talaga sa'kin is vice-governor kasi kumbaga, hindi ako 'yung nasa head. Kumbaga, napapag-aralan ko kung paano o nakikita ko kung ano 'yung problema ng buong Bataan," he related.
News of ace comedian-host Vic Sotto's plan to pursue politics also surfaced. He was purportedly aiming for a mayoral seat in Quezon City. His brother, senator Tito Sotto, however, clarified that though it was once a subject of their discussion, the younger Sotto "doesn't see any need for it (politics)."
In a live discussion after the report, Ormoc City representative Lucy Torres-Gomez, a special guest co-host on "Paparazzi," shared some nugget of wisdom. On quarters questioning the credibility and suitability of celebrities in the political realm, the TV host said, "Well, there's a bias talaga against celebrities running for politics. Sa'kin naman, that's why there's an electoral process, kung sinong gustong tumakbo, tatakbo. Then 'yung tao ang pipili. Usually kasi ang nangyayari pinapangunahan na, 'Ah 'yan... hindi 'yan tama, dapat hindi siya.' People always have an opinion when a celebrity runs."
Serving for her second year, Lucy has apparently learned that politics, like showbiz, is a cutthroat career that entails commitment and compassion.
"Sa showbiz, you are answerable to yourself. Parang you can make decisions na eto karga ko lang kung anumang mangyayari dito. But when you are a public servant, karga mo the district that you represent, the people that you represent. That's why you have to be very mindful of every decision that you'll make," she related.
