For many candidates, showbiz is a stepping stone to politics, but it's far from a done deal. Even the mega-popular Manny Pacquiao and Nora Aunor have lost elections. Showbiz candidacies are not just a test of celebs' drawing power in a different arena, but a challenge to voters to discern if entertainers also have the character and aptitude to serve. Here in alphabetical order based on their screen names and Comelec records are the celebrities seeking national and local posts in the 2013 elections.
Herbert Bautista Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Mayor, Quezon City Claim to fame: As a child star, he is remembered as Rene Boy to Janice de Belen's Flor Deluna in a popular TV series. He also starred in Shake, Rattle, and Roll 1 where he won Best Actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival. Political history: Elected
Mayor of Quezon City in 2010, after serving as Vice-Mayor since 2001.
Anthony Castelo Political Party: Independent candidate affiliated with UNA Running for: Councilor, Quezon City– 3rd District Claim To Fame: Known OPM singer in the 80s Political History: Elected as Councilor, Quezon City–3rd District in 1998; Ran for his 2nd term in 2001 but did not win
Lino Cayetano Political Party: Nacionalista Party (NP) Running for: Congressman, Taguig City– 4th District Claim to fame: He has directed several television shows for ABS-CBN and GMA. His love life is just as varied, counting celebrities KC Concepcion, Bianca Gonzales, and Liz Uy among his ex-girlfriends. Political history: Incumbent Barangay Chairman of Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City; brother of senators Pia Cayetano and Alan Peter Cayetano
Allan Paule De Guzman Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for:
Councilor, Muntinlupa City– 1st District Claim to fame: He played the character of Pol in Lino Brocka's Macho Dancer in 1988 Political history: None
Christopher de Leon Political party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Congressman, Batangas– 2nd District Claim to fame: A multi-awarded character and lead actor, he was first noticed after playing the role of Junior in Lino Brocka's film Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang in 1974 Political history: Elected as
Board Member of Batangas in 2010; earlier, in 2007, he ran but lost in his bid for Vice-Governor of Batangas
Jeorge “ER” Ejercito Estregan Political party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Provincial Governor, Laguna Claim to fame: Most recently, he played the lead role in the 2011 film Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story Political history: Elected
Governor of Laguna in 2010; served previously as the Municipal Mayor of Pagsanjan from 2001 to 2010; nephew of former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada
Joseph "Erap" Estrada Political party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Mayor, City of Manila Claim to fame: He is best known for gangster roles in many films, including the notorious ringleader Asiong Salonga that propelled him to stardom. Political history: Elected as
13th President of the Republic of the Philippines in 1998, Vice-President in 1992, Senator in 1987, and Mayor of the Municipality of San Juan in 1967; he was unseated in the EDSA 2 People Power revolt in 2001 and detained for several years; he ran for the country's top post again in 2010, and landed in second place after President Aquino
Danilo "Dan" Fernandez Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Reelection as Congressman, Laguna–1st District Claim to fame: He played the character of Kardo, the doctor who switched Mara with Clara in the hit 90's TV series. Political history: Incumbent Congressman of Laguna–1st District (2nd Term)
Daniel Fernando Political Party: National Unity Party (NUP) Running for: Reelection as Provincial Vice-Governor, Bulacan Claim to fame: He played the role of Danny in the 1985 Peque Gallaga film Scorpio Nights Political history: Elected as Provincial
Vice-Governor of Bulacan in 2010; served as Board Member in Bulacan from 2001 to 2007; started his political career as Kabataang Barangay Chairman from 1980 to 1984; he lost twice in previous elections, as Vice-Mayor in 1998 and as Vice-Governor in 2007
Lucy Torres–Gomez Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Reelection as Congresswoman, Leyte– 4th District Claim to fame: Became a popular television host after she was introduced in a "Lux" shampoo commercial alongside Richard Gomez. Political history: Elected as Congresswoman of Leyte– 4th District in 2010; recently, the Supreme Court unseated her after declaring her
substitution for her husband Richard Gomez as invalid; she has filed a motion for reconsideration
Richard Gomez Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Mayor, Ormoc City Claim to fame: One of the most popular stars in the '80s and '90s, playing male lead roles alongside leading ladies such as Sharon Cuneta and Dawn Zulueta. Political history: He has never won in his three attempts to run for office – he was disqualified in 2001 when he ran as partylist representative for Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD) because it was funded by the government, he lost his senatorial bid in 2007, and he was again
disqualified when ran for Congressman of Leyte in 2010 due to residency issues
Angelica Jones (Angelica Alarva) Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Reelection as Board Member, Laguna–3rd District Claim to fame: She sang the novelty song “Miss Flawless” Political history: Incumbent Board Member of Laguna–3rd District
Joey Marquez Political Party: Independent Running for:
Congressman, Parañaque City– 4th district Claim to fame: Became well known as "Tsong" for his role in the TV series Palibhasa Lalaki. Political history: He served as Mayor of Parañaque City from 1995 to 2004, and previously served as Vice-Mayor from 1992 to 1995; he lost his bid for Congress in 2004, and again as
Mayor of Parañaque City in 2010
Alma Moreno Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for:
Reelection as Councilor, Parañaque City–1st District Claim to fame: A former sexy star known for movie roles such as Dyesebel and Eva Fonda, she is still known as "Loveli-ness," the title of her defunct TV show. Political history: Currenly on her second term as Councilor of Parañaque City–1st District; after breaking up with Joey Marquez, she married Marawi City Mayor Sultan Fahad Salic in 2009; she was supposed to run for the Senate in 2013 but bowed out due to multiple sclerosis.
Isko Moreno (Francisco Domagoso) Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Reelection as Vice-Mayor, City of Manila Claim to fame: He was part of the teen TV show That's Entertainment during the '80s. Political history: Currently on his
second term as Vice-Mayor of Manila; in 1998, he was elected as Manila City Councilor and served for three terms; last February, he was
arrested for illegal gambling together with five city Councilors but they were released the next day for lack of evidence.
Aga Muhlach Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Congressman, Camarines Sur– 4th District Claim to fame: A matinee idol since his teens, when he starred in the 1980s film "Bagets," he has since taken on more mature roles and is often a leading man in romantic movies. Political history: None, but his candidacy has been
plagued with residency issues since he signified his intention to join the political race in Bicol
Roselle Nava Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Reelection as Councilor, Parañaque City–1st Dictrict Claim to fame: A pop singer, she is the voice behind videoke staples “Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita” and “Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita” Political history: Incumbent Councilor of Parañaque City–1st District
Jinkee Pacquiao Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Provincial Vice-Governor, Sarangani Claim to fame: She is the wife of boxing icon and Sarangani Cong. Manny Pacquiao Political history: None
Manny Pacquiao Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Reelection as Congressman, Sarangani province Claim to fame: Once proclaimed pound-for-pound king of boxing, he is the
first eight-division world boxing champion with six titles. Political history: Elected as Congressman of Sarangani in 2010; earlier, in 2007, he ran but lost in the electoral race for Congressman in the 1st District of South Cotabato
Dennis Padilla (Dennis Baldivia) Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for:
Board Member, Laguna–3rd District Claim to fame: Well-known comedian in Philippine cinema and television Political history: Elected as Councilor in Caloocan City in 2001.
Imelda Papin Political Party: Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (LAKAS) Running for: Congresswoman, San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan Claim to fame: She is known as the "Jukebox Queen" of the Philippines for her hit songs that remain popular in rural areas. Political history: Ran for Senator in 2010 but did not win; she has filed an appeal with the Comelec's Second Division, which
disqualified her from running in the 2013 elections because of residency issues
Roderick Paulate Political Party: Independent Candidate Running for: Reelection as Councilor, Quezon City–2nd District Claim to fame: A long-time comedian, he is famous for his sidekick and gay roles in films such as Petrang Kabayo, Jack En Poy, and Inday Bote. Political history: Elected as Councilor, Quezon City–2nd District in 2010; he was suspended in May 2012 for
allegedly hiring ghost employees, but it was temporarily lifted in September
Charee Pineda Political Party: Nationalist Peoples' Coalition (NPC) Running for: Councilor, Valenzuela City–2nd District Claim to fame: Her role as Rosalie in Angelito: Ang Batang Ama made her a household name. Political history: Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman from 2007 to 2010
Grace Poe–Llamanzares Political Party: Independent candidate affiliated with Team PNoy Running for: Senator Claim to fame: Daughter of the late Fernando Poe Jr. and former Chairperson of MTRCB. Political history: Her father is widely perceived to have been cheated when he ran for President in 2004; she and her mother, the actress Susan Roces, have been fighting to redeem his name since then.
Annabelle Rama Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Congresswoman, Cebu–1st district Claim to fame: Former sexy actress married to popular actor Eddie Gutierrez and mother of famous showbiz celebrities Richard, Raymond, and Ruffa Gutierrez; as talent manager, she has been embroiled in several controversies with actress Nadia Montenegro, former beauty queen Amalia Fuentes, and entertainment writer Chito Alcid, among others Political history: None
Lani Mercado–Revilla Political Party: Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (LAKAS) Running for: Reelection as Congresswoman, Cavite–2nd District Claim to fame: She played the role of evil stepsister in the
1984 film Bukas Luluhod ang mga Tala Political history: Elected as Congresswoman of Cavite–2nd District in 2010; wife of Senator Bong Revilla
Ramon “Jolo” Revilla Political Party: Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (LAKAS) Running for: Provincial
Vice-Governor, Cavite Claim to fame: Actor and son of Sen. Bong Revilla and Cong. Lani Mercado Political history: President of the Association of
Barangay Captains in Bacoor, Cavite
Vilma Santos Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Reelection as Provincial Governor, Batangas Claim to fame: A multi-awarded actress, she has been dubbed the "Star for All Seasons" in Philippine showbiz Political history: Currently on her
second term as Governor of Batangas; served as Lipa City Mayor for three terms since 1998; wife of Senator Ralph Recto
Shalani Soledad Political Party: Liberal Party Running for:
Congresswoman, Valenzuela City–2nd District Claim to fame: She captured the public's attention as the girlfriend of President Benigno Aquino who campaigned for him when he ran in 2010. After they broke up, she became a co-host in the game show of Willie Revillame. Political history: Currently on her second term as Councilor of Valenzuela City–2nd District; she is married to Pasig Congressman Roman Romulo.
Gian Sotto Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Reelection as Councilor, Quezon City–3rd District Claim to fame: An actor and musician, he is the only son of Sen. Tito Sotto and actress Helen Gamboa. Political history: Elected as Councilor of Quezon City–3rd District in 2010
TJ Trinidad Political Party: Independent candidate Running for: Councilor, Pasay City–1st District Claim to fame: He became well known for his
role as Carding in the remake of the TV series Gulong ng Palad. Political history: None
Rey Valera (Rey Guardiano) Political Party: Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP) Running for: Vice-Mayor of Meycauayan City, Bulacan Claim to fame: An accomplished singer-songwriter, many of his compositions have become theme songs for hit soap operas and movies. Political history: None
Alfred Vargas Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Congressman, Quezon City–5th District Claim to fame: He starred in the 2005
Chris Martinez film “Bikini Open” Political history: Incumbent Councilor of Quezon City– 2nd District (1st Term)
Lou Veloso Political Party: Liberal Party (LP) Running for: Vice-Mayor, City of Manila Claim to fame: Best known for his TV character Mr. Truman Political history: Incumbent Councilor of Manila City– 6th District; he has served in the same position for five terms
Ervic Vijandre Political Party: Kilusang Diwa ng Taguig (Affiliated with NP) Running for: Councilor, Taguig City–1st District Claim to fame: A model and actor, he was a
runner-up in the Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown and is the former boyfriend of actress Marian Rivera Political history: None
Anjo Yllana Political Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Running for: Councilor, Quezon City–5th District Claim to fame: He played Bubuli in the hit comedy
sitcom "Ober da Bakod" Political history: Elected Vice-mayor of Parañaque City in 2004; served as Councilor of Parañaque City from 1998 to 2004; he ran again for Vice-Mayor in Parañaque in 2010 but lost
Ryan Yllana Political Party: Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) Running for: Reelection as Councilor, Parañaque City–2nd District Claim to fame: Actor and
brother of celebrities Anjo and Jomari Yllana Political history: Elected as Councilor of Parañaque City–2nd District in 2010
- Compiled by Mac Macapendeg/ YA/HS/FRJ, GMA News References: Philippine Entertainment Portal Comelec Congress website Local government websites
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