John Arcilla on actors entering politics: 'Kung para lang 'yan sa pera, mali kaagad' 

John Arcilla has a Heneral Luna-like take on actors entering politics.

On Monday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the award-winning actor was asked to weigh in on the issue as many of his colleagues filed certificates of candidacy for next year's elections.

"Lahat ng tao ay may karapatan na tumakbo sa politika at maging opsiyal. Kesyo artista ka o hindi artista," he began.

"Ang tanong, bakit ka nandyan at pupunta sa politika? Para ba talaga maglingkod o para yumaman dahil wala kang pinagkakakitaan?"

According to John, people who are running for public service, especially celebrities, should ask themselves about their real motives.

"Huwag kang magsinungaling. Kasi kung para lang 'yan sa pera, mali kaagad. Kasi ang politika o pagiging opisyal ng bayan ay para maglingkod. 'Pag yumaman ka daw na nasa politika o gobyerno, hindi ka naglilingkod. Dapat malinaw sa 'yo 'yan," he said.

"So que artista ka o hindi artista, lalo na kapag artista ka na ganoon nga ang sinasabi sa 'yo, mas i-define mo sa sarili mo kung totoo bang paglilingkod ang iyong gustong mangyari, kung bakit ka nandiyan. Kung hindi rin lang, huwag mo nang ituloy," he added.

John is set to star in the second season of "Lolong" top-billed by Ruru Madrid. The Venice International Film Festival Best Actor will play the villain role of Julio Figueroa, a powerful businessman with an underground fighting arena.

The series will premiere on GMA Prime in January 2025.