Feb 22, 2010
By Alastair McIndoe, Philippines Correspondent
Among the celebrities who have thrown in their support for the presidential candidates are (above): boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, who is in Mr Villar's camp; starlet Anne Curtis and Mr Aquino's sister Kris, an actress and host of TV shows who is cheering him on and who has garnered the support of her showbiz friends, and actress Vilma Santos, also a fan of Mr Aquino. -- PHOTOS: ASSOCIATED PRESS, FACEBOOK
A parade of nearly 20 big-name actors, singers and television stars are publicly supporting his bid for the presidency in the May 10 election, far more than for any other candidate, according to a survey by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
The celebrities include veteran actress Vilma Santos, who has made a successful crossover to local politics, comedy queen Ai-Ai de las Alas and starlet Anne Curtis.
Indeed the presidential race has become so star-studded that last week, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded broadcasters to ensure fair play by not allowing celebrities to use their shows to campaign for candidates.
Some wanted the Comelec to go even further by requiring them to take a leave of absence if they are paid to endorse or campaign voluntarily for candidates during the election period.
The issue of such star support as well as candidates who themselves are celebrities is being intensely debated by political commentators.
