ISSUES on Philippine Elections: Politicians and Celebrities Alike

Its funny how our elections here in the Philippines tend to mix show business icons and politicians. There are two with which these two opposing world could combine. Its either the celebrities decided they’re too popular that they deserved a table in the Senate or House of Congress, or the politicians would believe that they have the looks to be a commercial model or have an appearance in talk shows and sitcoms. Both worlds seem to get the better from each other yet they seem to be mortal enemies if they talk about the other.

Politicians would outrageously create a fuss because they’d feel indignant that a celebrity who failed to attain the degrees that they possess would feel competent enough to run for the same office. But, they’re using these celebrities to promote their own candidacy with all the commercials where you’ll find Angel Locsin, Sarah Geronimo, Kris Aquino and Susan Roses saying a line or two on why the people should vote for a certain candidate. Ironically, it seems like the politicians are displaying an attitude that says celebs are just good if they’re promoting and boosting the images of politicians.

Celebrities on the other hand, after achieving a certain level of success with their careers, would feel that they’ve also reached the credentials of being a public servant. Sometimes its not enough that the people know the name –
people should also know what this person can do if he or she is given a certain office in the government. Being good in boxing or acting doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she will also do well as a government icon.

Basically, putting things in a general perspective, Filipinos don’t know when and where to draw the line. In colloquial terms, "di marunong lumagay sa dapat kalalagyan." Its plain and simple actually, a politician has achieved a certain degree in law or economics to make him a good servant of the government and not a host of a TV show. A celeb icon, be it in film or sports possesses talents for acting or playing a certain game, and these talents would be of no use sitting behind a desk reading articles and bylaws. If you’re good at something, stay there because you’re GOOD at it. Don’t mess up things up experimenting on something with which you’ll probably just suck at it and end up embarrassing yourself and destroying your precious image.