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Considering that a new season of American Idol is underway, I thought it was strange that The Philippine Political atmosphere has tried to duplicate the idol scenery once again. In what must come as a non-shock to all, the Artista group seems to be pushing through with their plans to merge showbiz with politics.

Looks like Richard Gomez, Edu Manzano, and Tito Sotto have danced their way into the Administration’s Senate lineup. I say good for them! If they don’t win they could always make a good movie out of it.

Richard Gomez

Considering the Ticket-hopping that Richard Gomez has been on for a few weeks now, I’m not so sure he can even present the masses with a clear-cut conviction as to where he stands on the issues. In a recent interview, when asked why he was running.. here’s a quick answer, “Gusto ko talaga magbigay ng serbisyo sa publiko, kasi mahigit dalawang dikada na ako naging artista…” (I just want to really serve the public, I’ve been an actor for almost two decades now)

I mean so what, if it’s been two decades that you’ve been an actor? Are you implying that it’s a natural progression to go into politics? That you’re tired of being an actor, so why not go into politics? That, your popularity is so high, that politics is the only avenue in which you can help the masses? What is really driving the showbiz elite towards the dark side of politics?

And what’s with the whorish nature of Goma these days. Jumping from one party to another just furthers my opinion that he has no other agenda than to win. If you can’t stand by your convictions, then don’t run. If you’re with the opposition and side with their views, opinions, and agendas then stick to it. It’s like jumping from Democrat, Republican, to Libertarian all in one week. Pichay is correct when he remarks on the balimbing aspect that Goma is presenting these days.

Actors and Political Neophytes

And my problem with some “Artistas” pursuing a political career is not exclusive to this group alone. In fact, it’s the problem I have with all public officials. And this goes back to the political ladder that I often talk about. Politics is a dirty game, and often one goes into it with a good heart and good intentions, but only the politically strong can usually come out (almost) clean.

Here’s a question I ask myself, along side with so many other questions, when I try to formulate my own senatorial lineup as well as local candidates: Does this individual have the political will? Or will he be used for the political gains of the party that he enlists in? This is probably the case with Manny Pacquiao running for Mayor in General Santos.

And what are we to really think of political neophytes including showbiz personalities when it comes to their political acumen, their understanding of law, the structures of government, the formulation of bills, the passage of bills, the role of government, and so on and so forth. And of course, something that will probably be completely rhetoric during the coming months, what about their platforms? Is it enough to say Pro-Administration and Anti-Administration? When everything is settled, there is still a nation to be governed. It’s not enough to have worthy ideals, these are just thoughts and ideas. The acumen and political will to implement these ideas is the key.

With no background on the management skills, public administration skills, and governance skills of these showbiz personalities, all we have to judge them on is their platform. So, I hope in the coming weeks (not months), they will be clear on where they stand and how they will handle all the myriad of problems that they will face. Budget, defense, local government, education, health, fair trade, economy, security, (impeachment of Gloria), etc… I really don’t care much for rhetoric these days.

But let’s not get into this debate any longer and put my stand into further ambiguity on this issue. My stand? Let them run, let anyone run, it is a democracy that we live in, and that in and of itself is reason enough to let anyone run. When we see other nations and their people being shut out of the democratic process entirely, our system is still above these nations.

So let anyone run, and let us decide who will lead our nation. You may never fully agree with the result of our democratic process, but at least we have one.

The Elections

With all this in mind. I think one of our main focus and goals is still that of a clean, democratic, and transparent election. No more can we keep mum when confronted with a “Hello Garci” and obvious deceptions meant to derail the democratic process and cheat us of our own votes. Our leaders, in public and private sectors, should be headstrong and not be swayed by the political muscle that is sure to be displayed by the current administration and its allies.

The result of the upcoming elections should no longer be about the validity of the election, but if we picked the right candidates. Often, we come out of elections more focused on the validity and we lose sight of overseeing the candidates themselves. That is why we should pay particularly close attention to any fraud that takes place during the elections because the elections should always just be a start. A seating official does not get a free ride after the elections. This goes especially so with actors and other Artistas who have a high learning curve to overcome when it comes to governance and public administration.

Closing Thoughts

Unlike American Idol or Philippine Idol, the run for government office does not include singing and dancing, so once the lineups are complete let’s focus on platforms and the candidates’ stand on key issues like Charter Change, possible impeachment proceedings, health care, state of our OFW’s, state of the poor of our nations, etc. and let’s not get caught up in the rhetoric and popularity of our favorite stars.

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