MANILA, Philippines — Celebrities flocked to different Commission on Elections (Comelec) offices to file certificates of candidacy (COC) for their chosen positions in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.
From senator to councilor, here is a list of movie and television personalities gunning for government positions next year.
Senate
- -Original Pilipino Music icon Freddie Aguilar is one of the first candidates to file his COC, with a vow to protect artists’ rights. Nonetheless, there seems to be an “intra-party” controversy surrounding the music legend’s candidacy as PDP-Laban denied that he is part of their senatorial lineup.
- -Veteran actor and “Ang Probinsyano” mainstay Lito Lapid is eyeing a senate return under the banner of his political party, Nationalist People's Coalition. He served as senator for two consecutive terms, and authored the Free Legal Assistance Act and Biometrics Law, and co-authored the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
- -Another action star who is seeking a senate return is Jinggoy Estrada. Running under his father’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino party, the former senator is included in the “magic 12” surveys despite the plunder and graft charges against him in connection with the Pork Barrel scam.
- -Another action star eyeing for a senate comeback is the detained Bong Revilla. His wife Lani Mercado filed his COC with son Jolo Revilla. Presidential daughter Sara Duterte’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago included Bong in its lineup despite the pork barrel charges.
- -TV host Dr. Willie Ong filed a COC for senator under Lakas-CMD.
- -GMA-7 reporter Jiggy Manicad also filed his COC for a senate bid next year. He is also included in Sara’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago party.
Congress
- -Sexy singer, actress and former Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson filed a certification of nomination as nominee of AA Kasosyo party-list, which, according to her, aims to aid Filipinos, especially migrant workers, to become entrepreneurs.
- -“Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos targets a second term as representative of the 6th district of Batangas.
- -Kapamilya actor Richard Yap is running as Cebu congressman.
- -Singer-actor Daniel Padilla supports his father Rommel Padilla in his bid as representative of the first district of Nueva Ecija.
- -Comedian Long Mejia wishes to become a Camarines Sur 1st district representative.
- -Former actor and current Sta. Rosa, Laguna Mayor Dan Fernandez wishes to be back to congress as Laguna representative.
Provincial
- -Actor Jolo Revilla is running for his last term as Cavite vice governor.
City
- -Actors Vic Sotto and Conie Reyes’ son, Vico Sotto, wishes to become the next Pasig City mayor.
- -Actress Lani Mercado is gunning for a second term as a Bacoor, Cavite mayor.
- -Veteran actor Richard Gomez eyes for reelection as Ormoc mayor.
- -Actor Isko Moreno will run as Manila mayor against former actor Joseph Estrada and former mayor and TV host Alfredo Lim.
- -Former Viva Hot Babe Andrea del Rosario eyes for reelection as Calatagan vice mayor.
- -TV host and presidential son Sebastian "Baste" Duterte runs as Davao City vice mayor alongside his sister, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
- -Actor-host Roderick Paulate challenges Sen. Tito Sotto’s son, Gian Sotto, for the Quezon City vice mayor post.
- -Former action star Monsour del Rosario seeks election as Makati vice mayor.
- -Actress Alex Gonzaga’s boyfriend, Mikee Morada, is running for Lipa, Batangas councilor.
- -Actress Jan Marini will try her luck for Quezon City 4th district councilor.
- -Actress Charee Pineda eyes for reelection as Valenzuela City councilor.
- -Former Viva Hot Babe Jaycee Parker wishes to become a councilor in Angeles, Pampanga.
- -Actor Alfred Vargas vies for his last term as Quezon City councilor.
- -Singer Rico J. Puno will fight for a seat as Makati City councilor.
- -Actors Vandolf Quizon and Jomari Yllana are also seeking another term as councilors in Parañaque.
- -“It’s Showtime” host Jhong Hilario is a councilor re-electionist in Makati City.