The Philippine Online Chronicles

The May 10, 2010 election is over and we have proven to the world that automated polls can happen in the Philippines.

Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III is leading the presidential race in Comelec’s and PPCRV’s partial and unofficial count while four of his opponents already conceded defeat – Nacionalista Party’s standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar, Lakas-Kampi-CMD bet former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Bangon Pilipinas, and Bagumbayan’s Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon.

Aquino has been supported by his sister Queen of All Media Kris Aquino. Also behind Aquino are Star for all Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto (who was re-elected as Batangas governor), megastar Sharon Cuneta, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, and Kapuso Network’s big stars Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes, and Marian Rivera.

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!

Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada, who was an action star before entering politics, is following Aquino closely.

In the senatorial race, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and Tito Sotto have made it to the Magic 12. It is noted that the three gentlemen are movie actors and are either married to actresses or connected to showbiz families.

According to GMA News, this election is by far the most star-studded in Philippine history, with a total of 111 celebrities running for public office, and not only that, most of the national candidates have the best and the brightest celebrity endorsers as well.

In Philippine politics where show business has always had a prominent role, can we still conclude, at this point, that tinseltown's celebrities (either as candidates themselves or endorsers) still enjoy the same star power as in the previous elections? Do stars still have their so-called magic?

Let’s see now.

Revilla’s wife, actress Lani Mercado, won in the congressional race in Cavite.

Herbert “Bistek” Bautista is the new QC mayor. Proclaimed winners in QC include actor Alfred Vargas, comedian Roderick Paulate, ex-teen star Precious Hipolito and Gian Sotto (son of Tito Sotto).

In Manila, former That’s Entertainment mainstay Isko Moreno is on his 2^nd term as vice mayor. His colleague, another That’s star, Robert Ortega also won as councilor.

Other showbiz celebrities who emerged as winners include Marjorie Barretto, Val Sotto, singer Roselle Nava, and former child star Maybelyn dela Cruz who ran as councilors for Caloocan, Paranaque and Dagupan respectively.

The country’s premier actor Christopher de Leon won as Board member in Batangas, comedian Teri Onor in Bataan, and Gary Estrada in Quezon Province.

Pambansang Kamao Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao made it this time as congressman of Saranggani.

Proclaimed Laguna governor was ER Ejercito, Maita Sanchez as Pagsanjan City mayor and Dan Fernandez as 1^st district of Laguna representative.

Daniel Fernando won as vice governor of Bulacan, while Lucy Torres-Gomez won in her congressional bid in Ormoc after husband Richard Gomez was disqualified.

Jo-Ann Maglipon, editor-in-chief of Yes! Magazine said, “If you want instant recall, if you want immediate rapport with a large audience, there is nothing like having a celebrity endorser.”

In the same PCIJ article, political strategist Ronald Jabal of AD&R Strategic Communications, Training and Research, said, “It may sound stupid, but that’s the name of the game.”

But of course, this does not guarantee actual votes, which is largely demonstrated by the loss of Villar who had, as his endorsers, no less than King of Comedy Dolphy, Michael V and Willie Revillame. Vice presidential candidate Loren Legarda had Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo, but she too failed.

Aquino’s running mate Mar Roxas, husband of popular broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez, is currently behind Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay in the vice presidential race.

Things did not do well for TV actor-host Edu Manzano who ran under the Lakas banner, despite his popularity as Game Ka Na Ba host.

The endorsement of Gloc-9 and Gary Valenciano did not seem to help Bro. Eddie Villanueva either.

Fans of Judy Ann Santos may have the last laugh over the imminent loss of Sen. Jamby Madrigal. To recall, Madrigal’s political career in 2004 was said to have been boosted by Santos, her chosen celebrity endorser. Madrigal later regretted this move and said in a presidential forum, “The use of actors—[one] you had to pay P30 million to endorse you—is an insult to the Filipino intelligence.”

In Paranaque, Joey Marquez and Anjo Yllana lost as well.  In Quezon City, erstwhile rivals (over Jomari Yllana) Aiko Melendez and Ara Mina were not lucky,  together with comedian Arnel Ignacio, actress Glenda Garcia and showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz. Another big loser is Cesar Montano who ran for the gubernatorial post in Bohol.

Whether their victory (or loss) is attributed to star power, political party, luck, or timing, the issue remains debatable. While we cannot deny that the fusion of showbiz and politics in the Philippines is still existing, one’s celebrity status or endorser for that matter does not guarantee winning in any election. Ultimately, may mananalo, may matatalo. If they do well in their posts, good for us. But if they fail to deliver, as the saying goes, “We get the government we deserve.”

Photo: “Liberal Party of the Philippines” by The POC, c/o Flickr. Some Rights Reserved