Some stars shine, some fade in midterm polls

National

WHILE it is clearly an advantage when gunning for an elective post, being popular doesn’t automatically translate to victories.

Some celebrities learned this in the recently held midterm elections as some stars emerged victorious and some faltered.

Among celebrities who emerged winners were Vilma Santos-Recto, Arjo Atayde, Aiko Melendez, Alfred Vargas, and Joaquin Domagoso.

Vilma Santos-Recto successfully secured the governorship of Batangas. Adding to the family’s political clout, her son Ryan Christian Recto also won as the new representative of Batangas’ 6th District.

However, it wasn’t a clean sweep for the family as Vilma’s son, Luis “Lucky” Manzano, lost in his bid to become vice governor of the province.

In Quezon City, Atayde retained his seat as congressman for the First District, while Melendez and Vargas were both re-elected as councilors in the Fifth District.

In Manila, Joaquin Domagoso, son of actor-turned-politician and now Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, claimed a seat as a first-time councilor in the First District.

Another power couple, Lucy Torres-Gomez and Richard Gomez, both emerged victorious. Lucy reclaimed the mayorship of Ormoc City, while Richard secured his spot as Leyte’s 4th District Representative.

In Cavite, the Revilla clan continued their stronghold. Jolo Revilla, son of actor-producer-politician Bong Revilla, won as Representative of Cavite’s First District. His mother, Lani Mercado, is also expected to keep her post as congresswoman of the Second District.

Other celebrities who secured victories include Jhong Hilario, who retained his councilor seat in Makati City’s First District, and Angelu De Leon, re-elected as councilor in Pasig’s Second District.

In Bulacan, actor Daniel Fernando was re-elected as governor, and Alex Castro is set to become vice governor.

However, not everyone from showbiz tasted victory.

Celebrity losers include Sen. Revila, Willie Revillame, Phillip Salvador, Ara Mina, Ejay Falcon, Sam Verzosa, Jimmy Bondoc, Marco Gumabao, Lino Cayetano, Arnold Vegafria, Marjorie Barretto, Dennis Padilla, Raymond Bagatsing, Mocha Uson, Aljur Abrenica, and Shamcey Supsup.

For some, the contrasting fates that celebrities met in the recent election was telling. Some say it proved that the Filipino electorate is not against entertainers running for public office — but voters now seem to favor those who appear serious and have what it takes to govern.(Christine A. Ople, CTU-TC Intern)