Celebrities who became politicians
Filipino celebrities jumping into politics has been a common thing in the Philippines.
For example, 'Eat Bulaga' pioneed Tito Sotto is one of the most recognizable celebrity who also became a politician. He currently serves as a Senate president.
Award-winning movie and TV actress Vilma Santos-Recto has a stellar resume as a public servant. From being a mayor in Lipa City to being a governor of Batangas province, Vilma now serves as a representative of Batangas 6th District.
While they're considered popular in entertainment industry, it's not an assurance of an easy win in the elections. In fact, there is a long list of showbiz personalities, who failed in their bid to run for public office.
Get to know more of these entertainment personalities who entered the world of politics in this gallery.
Alfred Vargas
Actor Alfred Vargas won another term as congressman for the 5th district of Quezon City.
Lucy Torres-Gomez
Actress Lucy Torres joined politics when she substituted for her husband, actor Richard Gomez, who was disqualified to run as Leyte representative because of residency issue in 2010. Although she was alter on ousted after Supreme Court ruled that she is not valid as a substitute, her re-election in 2013 was not affected. She is now on her third term as the representative of the 4th District of Leyte. She is now running for mayor.
Richard Gomez
Just like his wife, actor Richard Gomez also won his re-election for the mayor of Ormoc City in 2019. He is now running for Leyte 4th District representative.
Alma Moreno
Alma Moreno was a councilor in Parañaque. She filed for candidacy for the Philippine Senate Elections in 2016.
Herbert Bautista
Herbert Bautista is the former Mayor of Quezon City. He is currently running for senator.
Fernando Poe, Jr.
Before he passed away, action star Fernando Poe, Jr. ran for the presidency in 2004.
Tito Sotto
Vicente Sotto III from the famous comedic trio Tito, Vic, and Joey (TVJ) was the vice mayor of Quezon City before entering the senate. He is currently the Senate President. He is also running for vice president in the 2022 election.
Imelda Papin
Sentimental Songstress Imelda Papin won another term as vice governor of Camarines Sur in 2019.
Vilma Santos-Recto
Star for All Seasons Vilma Santo5s was a mayor, governor and is now a congresswoman of Batangas
Edu Manzano
Actor-host Edu Manzano served as Makati City vice mayor. He ran for senate in the 2016 elections. He also ran for congress in 2019.
Isko Moreno
Isko Moreno was the vice mayor of Manila and is currently the Mayor of Manila. He is also running as president in the 2022 election.
Manny Pacquiao
Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao was a congressman before landing a spot in the Senate. He is currently running for president.
Roderick Paulate
Roderick Paulate became a Quezon City councilor in 2010. However, because of the issue on ghost employees, he was removed from office. The comedian also ran for vice mayor of the city but lost in 2019 local elections.
Alex Castro
Actor-singer Alex Castro is an incumbent provincial board member in Bulacan. He was a former SK President & councilor of Marilao, too. He is currently running as vice-governor of Bulacan.
Tony Lopena
You might know Tony Lopena as the gay employee named Vincent in the hit sitcom 'Pepito Manaloto.' But when he is not in front of the camera, he serves as a municipal councilor in Calumpit, Bulacan.
Maybelyn dela Cruz
In 2019, Maybelyn dela Cruz ended her term as a city councilor of Dagupan City. She was replaced by her husband Michael who won in the last election.
Jason Abalos
Jason Abalos is running as a board member in his hometown province of Nueva Ecija, district 2.
Aiko Melendez
After years of serving as a Quezon City councilor, Aiko Melendez is a candidate to represent the city's fifth district in congress.
Angelica Jones
Angelica Alarva or Angelica Jones is currently a Board Member representing the third district of Laguna. She is running for the 2022 elections as a congresswoman for Laguna's third district.
