Rep. Lino changes look to suit present position

Instead of playing the broken record about doing something to unburden the entertainment industry of the onerous taxes imposed on it, just like what showbiz-actors-turned-lawmakers have been wont to do since time immemorial, neophyte Taguig Congressman Lino Cayetano, 36 (now touted to be the best-looking guy in the House of Representatives), said it would be better for the industry to work hand in hand with government.

“Like in Mexico,” explained Lino to a handful of his reporter-friends, “they include in their telenovela scenes that would enlighten or guide the citizens. When a telenovela included a character that availed of government-managed paluwagan scheme, the next day a lot of people queued up to apply for a loan.”

Nice idea, isn’t it?

Years ago, the same idea was actually implemented by then First Lady Imelda Marcos who asked movie and TV producers to put in scenes in support of her Green Revolution. It was effective. I agree with the DOH suggestion to avoid, if not minimize, showing actors smoking to alert the audience to the health hazards of smoking.

Right on, Rep. Lino!

When he met us yesterday for lunch at a Quezon City restaurant, Lino was wearing a black jacket over a short-sleeved barong, something he wasn’t used to during his days as director.

“I have to be in this kind of attire,” said Lino who was more comfortable in denims and tees, and easy footwear. “Now,” he added, “I have three pairs of black shoes. I now represent a district so I have to be in the right form even in the way I dress up. I have also had some formal suits designed by JC Buendia who has been my friend since StarStruck 1 (The GMA reality-TV talent search which Lino directed. — RFL).”

What made him decide to join politics which some actor-politicians have described as “dirtier than showbiz?” (He can be said to belong to a “political clan” since his late father, Rene Cayetano, was a senator and so now are his siblings Alan Peter [majority leader in the Senate] and Pia.)

“Before I ran, I used to say, ‘In the end, Pres. P-Noy’s greatest legacy is inspiring people to serve.’ The ruling party is Liberal, and my siblings and I are with the Nacionalista Party, but the two parties formed a coalition during the campaign. I believe in P-Noy. I was inspired to serve not only by P-Noy but also by my brother and sister. With P-Noy, you see people from the private sector willing to help. Who would have thought that Grace Poe (who topped last May’s senatorial race) would enter politics? I feel that dito ako gusto ilagay ng Diyos, na dito ako mas makakatulong. I think that there’s a lot of things that I can do. It’s not my first taste of politics. I once served as a barangay captain.”

What’s the first bill that he has filed?

“On my first day in Congress, I filed a bill for something like Scholar ng Bayan, inspired by a project now in effect in Taguig and which we hope to adopt nationally. In my bill, I propose that all those who graduate among the Top 10 in all schools should automatically be scholars. In Taguig, all graduates of public high school automatically become scholars.” (Lino graduated with a degree in Film at UP where he taught the same course for four years.)

What pointers did he get maybe from his late dad, and from Alan and Pia?

“They just told me to work hard and be prepared. ‘Yang qualities na ‘yan I’m bringing to my job as congressman from the entertainment industry. As a director, No. 1 in the priority is pre-production; no pre-production means palpak ka sigurado sa shoot. That’s it — ‘yung work ethics that I learned in the industry is serving me well in Congress. We have had some freshman orientation and I met a lot of good people in Congress. Many of them have bright, wonderful ideas for our country; they are optimistic about our country.”

Is it goodbye to showbiz for Lino?

“Not really. I hope to resume showbiz work by September or before end of the year, even to do an episode for MMK (Charo Santos-Concio’s Maalaala Mo Kaya) or a weekly show but definitely hindi na ako puede makakapag-direk ng soap. The last soap I did was Aryana (for ABS-CBN).”

Lino donated one-third of his liver to his dad (who eventually died of liver cancer). Has his liver (a self-generating organ) grown back to its normal size?

“This year has a sentimental meaning to me. It marks the 10th anniversary of my liver donation. It was in 2003 when I underwent the crucial operation in the US. Tandang-tanda ko na sabi ng duktor, ‘In 10 years, Lino, you will be fully healed. But your liver will start growing to full size in two years.’ I still have the big scar…” (Adding in jest)…”that’s why I can’t be an actor, I can’t do bed scenes kasi makikita ‘yung scar ko, hehehehe!”

Lino has been living by his lonesome in his condo unit at The Fort…alone?

“Yes, alone…” (Again adding in jest)…”but not all the time.” (Once romantically linked to KC Concepcion, Liz Uy and Bianca Gonzalez, and reported to have courted Shaina Magdayao, Lino claimed that he’s fancy-free). “I barely have time for love. Focus muna ako sa Kongreso.”

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