As the 2025 midterm elections approach, conversations surrounding celebrities entering politics are once again heating up.
Actor and former congressional candidate Richard Yap is speaking out against the continued prejudice faced by showbiz personalities who choose to pursue public office.
In a recent guest appearance on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, Yap expressed frustration over the blanket criticism often thrown at actors-turned-politicians.
“I think that’s unfair because there are a lot of artists who have the brains to be in politics, to be in public service,” said Yap, who once ran for congressman in Cebu City.
He stressed that while some may use fame for political advantage, it’s unjust to generalize all artist-candidates as unqualified.
“It’s a generalization, it’s unfair for a lot of us,” he added.
Veteran host Boy Abunda echoed Yap’s sentiments, emphasizing that under the law, any qualified Filipino citizen has the right to run for office, regardless of profession.
“The constitution allows everybody who is qualified for public office. You have to be a natural-born Filipino citizen, 10-year residency, 35 years old for senators, 40 for the presidency,” said Abunda. “If you are qualified, you have the right to do that.”
This conversation comes as several celebrities have filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) ahead of the 2025 elections, including Philip Salvador, Marco Gumabao, Ion Perez, Enzo Pineda, and Diwata. Other well-known personalities such as Manny Pacquiao, Arjo Atayde, Richard Gomez, Jolo Revilla, Lani Mercado-Revilla, Lucy Torres-Gomez, and Yul Servo are also expected to run for various positions.
