The Filipino people recently commenced one of the Philippines’ most historic elections for 2022. Some of the notable frontrunners for the local and national elections included celebrities who went into politics and public service.
Here is a list of celebrities and stars leading their local and national tickets as public officials:
Robin Padilla leads the polls for Senator with over 26 million votes favoring the action star-turned-politician.
Former film and TV actor Daniel Fernando, who starred in the Kapuso series Amaya and Kapamilya teleserye FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, recently retained his post as Bulacan’s Governor and won against Vice Gov. Willy Alvarado.
Next up is actor Alex Castro. He had a recurring role in the Kapamilya series, The Killer Bride, and later returned to GMA Network. Now he joined Fernando as his running mate for Bulacan’s Vice-Governor after serving as a Member of the Bulacan Provincial Board in the 4th District.
Then Ejay Falcon, who starred in several Kapamilya productions such as Pasion de Amor and Blood Sisters after his stint in Pinoy Big Brother House. He currently leads the post of Oriental Mindoro’s Vice Governor.
Next is award-winning actor Arjo Atayde, who bagged international awards for his role in Bag Man. He ran for Congressman in Quezon City’s First District.
The son of Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Jolo Revilla who had a major role in FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, also ran for a congressional post in the First District of Cavite.
Following Jolo is his mom Lani Mercado, who ran for the congresswoman post for the Second District of Cavite. Her last acting project was Strawberry Lane in 2014 on GMA Network.
Dan Fernandez, known for his roles in Balawis, Mara Clara: The Movie, and Honor Thy Father, currently leads polls for the Representative post for Santa Rosa, Laguna, and has a high chance of re-election.
Then Jason Abalos, who starred in several Kapuso and Kapamilya series such as Las Hermanas, Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, and Two Wives. He recently leads the post for the Provincial Board Member of Nueva Ecija’s Fourth District.
Next on the list is Richard Gomez. The seasoned actor was the Mayor of Ormoc before running for the Representative post of Leyte’s Fourth Congressional District. He currently leads the polls.
Following Richard is his wife, Lucy Torres-Gomez, who ran for office as Ormoc City’s Mayor.
Next is the seasoned actor Yul Servo, known for his films such as Batang West Side, Laman, Naglalayag, and Torotot and Brutus. Yul became part of the Manila City Council Third District before campaigning as the Manila Vice Mayor.
Javi Benitez, model-artist and son of billionaire Albee Benitez, ran for Mayor in Victorias City. Before entering politics, he was part of ABS-CBN’s talent management arm, Star Magic.
Next on the list is Ina Alegre. Known for her role in Mumbaki, Ina entered politics in 2016 as Vice Mayor of Pola, Oriental Mindoro. She then ran for Mayor in 2019 and is now up for her second term.
Alfred Vargas, known for his role in Encantadia, was Quezon City’s Fifth District Representative before running for the 2nd District’s Councilor post.
Aiko Melendez, known for her roles in Wild Flower and Primadonnas, leads the elections for Quezon City’s Second District Councilor.
Angelu de Leon, known for her role in ‘T.G.I.S,’ ran for the Councilor post for the Second District of Pasig City.
Vandolph Quizon, son of the late Comedy King Dolphy Quizon, known for his roles in Home Along Da Riles, ran for the Councilor post of Parañaque City’s First District.
Jomari Yllana, known for Diliryo (Delirium) and Sa Pusod ng Dagat, is leading the polls for the Councilor post for Parañaque City’s First District.
It’s Showtime host and Streetboys member Jhong Hilario leads his third term as the Councilor of Makati City’s First District.
Seasoned actor Lou Veloso also led Manila City’s Sixth Disctrict Councilor polls.
Kapamilya actor Nash Aguas led the Cavite City polls for the Municipal Council.
Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2015 and Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2019 titleholder Leren Bautista also led the polls for Councilor in Los Baños, Laguna.
Alex Gonzaga’s husband Mikee Morada also led the elections for Councilor in Lipa, Batangas.
These celebrities-turned-public officials show that popularity does come a long way when entering into politics and public service.
