Pinoys are crazy about celebrities. Politicians know it and tap stars to support their candidacy. Star power is believed to translate to much-needed votes. Now, with just months until the May polls, politicians are bringing out the big guns. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo capitalized on her resemblance to Superstar Nora Aunor when she was running for vice president in 1998. These days, Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has considerable advantage since his sister is TV host-actress Kris Aquino, whom the entertainment industry has looked up to. Noynoy's trendsetting sibling has rallied her showbiz friends – Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Boy Abunda, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, and Vilma Santos – to support her brother's candidacy. In fact, Ilocos Norte Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos pointed out that the endorsement of “showbiz heavyweights” is an advantage for Aquino's campaign and advised that other candidates get celebrity endorsers as well to jazz up their campaign. Thus, Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., tapped Pinoy “Comedy King” Dolphy, to put in a good word for him. Comedians Willie Revillame and Michael V., as well as boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, are also rooting for Villar. Administration bet Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr., in a surprise move, picked TV host-actor Edu Manzano to be his vice presidential bet. Teodoro and TV host-actor Edu Manzano strike many as an unlikely pair but Lakas-Kampi-CMD party vice chairman and Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno seems to be all for the team-up. Then, of course, there's former president Joseph “Erap” Estrada – who, for a time, was one of the most popular actor in Philippine cinema – making a political comeback much like he'd make a sequel to one of his past films. Asked if he's baffled why his fellow actor and good friend Dolphy chose to endorse Villar, Estrada merely said, “He's just working.” Well, if the comedian is indeed campaigning for Villar for a fee, just how much does he stand to earn? Public relations specialist Reli German, who's been credited for using the memorable Erap jokes in the past to work to his then-client's advantage, said, “If the celebrity is truly supportive of the candidate, the talent fee could be as little as a ‘Thank You' to P100,000.” However, the price soars to P2 to P3 million, depending on the celebrity's status, if the politician is bent on purchasing star power. It is know known now if all celebrities are collecting talent fees for their campaign duties. Just like Oprah Winfrey who supported US President Barack Obama's campaign, there are those who are simply “donating” their services for politicians they believe in. Take the case of matinee idol Dingdong Dantes, an Aquino supporter. “I believe in (Noynoy Aquino's) desire to help the Filipino youth,” he explained. Music greats and siblings Joey Ayala and Cynthia Alexander have chosen to back environmentalist Nicanor Perlas in his bid for the presidency. “It's only Nick who understands true interrelatedness with nature and genuine change,” Ayala said. Meanwhile, Pacquiao said of his namesake, “I can see that Manny can do a lot if he becomes president,” he said. People should be convinced that the celebrity will actually vote for the candidate. It can be effective, if the endorser has been identified by the viewer as supportive. If the viewer cannot identify the endorser as sincere, then it is likely that they also won't support the candidates they endorse.
