circus politicos

This could easily be part two of the asshole chronicles -- on a national (grander) scale.

The regular commercial programming nowadays is punctuated by those annoying political campaigns that either portray politicians as would-be clowns and comedians or a potential actor/actress worthy of FAMAS nomination. Either way, they still make you want to puke. In the Philippine setting, it has been normal to see artistas crossing the line (dangerously and for the people, rivetingly) towards politics, but the recent crop of political TV ads tell us it can also be the other way around. You've got to see them to believe.

But of course, Pinoy elections would never be fun without the usual who's who in showbiz scene who is yet to tread on the all-too familiar ground of showbiz-populated politics. This year's most outstanding example probably is Richard Gomez, who in a last-ditch effort to save his ailing career paraded in the Comelec grounds to ceremoniously announce his candidacy for Senate. There's of course Lito Lapid, the proverbial cowboy in the Senate, who courageously challenges everyone in his way for debate as long as it's in his native tongue, Kapampangan. This time he runs opposite Jejomar Binay for mayoralty slate.

No surprise though is Manny Pacquiao. The rumor started around the time when he registered residency in Manila. After speculations of him running for mayor in his hometown GenSan, it was announced on the news that he'd be on the congressional slate. It shouldn't be incumbent SoCot congresswoman, Darlene Antonino-Custodio biting her nails but the people of the province who will most likely lose given the wrong choice. Guys, this is not a boxing match, please. In this situation, redemption does not come in beating the hell out of your opponent.

But then, it wouldn't be called Philippine politics and there would be no such thing as tradpols if it weren't for entertainment like these. God help us.