Showbiz invades LGUs

[CaMoTe!!!]

Celebs' loves, scions of political clans run for office
Edson C. Tandoc Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
March 28, 2007

MANILA -- Fans rushed to shake hands with Jolina Magdangal. Employees had
pictures taken with Anne Curtis.
It could have easily been a showbiz gathering. But Wednesday was the eve of
the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the
local elections.

Congressman wannabes and familiar faces with familiar names rushed to the
Commission on Elections National Capital Region Office in Intramuros, Manila
on Wednesday with their supporters and relatives.

There were more than 25 hopefuls who showed up as local politicians for
mayor down to councilor also trooped to local election offices to file their
COCs.

Some are seeking reelection. Many are political neophytes, but are
nevertheless children or siblings of prominent local politicians, and they
invariably brought with them their more established kin when they filed
their candidacies.

Magdangal arrived early at the office Wednesday morning with boyfriend
Albert Muñoz, who is running for congressman of the second district in
Caloocan City. The couple even came earlier than some election officials.

Curtis arrived shortly after noon with 25-year-old Erwin Genuino, who is
running as congressman of the second district of Makati City against the
daughter of Mayor Jejomar Binay. He was accompanied by former action star,
Senator Lito Lapid, who is challenging Mayor Binay's post.

Oscar Ibay, who will run for congressman of Makati's first district, was
escorted by singer Nonoy Zuñiga while Nilo Divina, who will run for
congressman of Caloocan's second district, was escorted by actor Jeffrey
Santos, who will run again for councilor.

Those who did not show up with television personalities showed up with their
famous fathers.

Abigail Binay, who filed her candidacy just minutes earlier than her rival,
Genuino, was escorted by her father.

Roman Romulo, who will run as congressman in Pasig City, was accompanied by
his father, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo while Angelito Reyes,
who will run as congressman of Taguig's second district, was escorted by his
father, Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Brothers Amado and Dondon Bagatsing also filed their COCs. Amado, who is
running for congressman of Manila's fifth district, showed up in the morning
while Dondon, who is running for congressman of Manila's fourth district,
showed up in the afternoon with his son Don, who is running for vice mayor.

Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian's brother Weslie is running for
congressman in the second district. Their brother Rexlon has filed his COC
for congressman in the first district.

Hoping to replace Malabon-Navotas Representative Ricky Sandoval, who will
run for mayor in Navotas, is his brother Alvin.

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri's son Ricojudge Janvier is also running
for congressman of the city's first district.

Manila Representative Joey Hizon's wife Estrelita will run for the post he
will vacate in the fifth district against Bagatsing. Manuel Luis Lopez, son
of former Manila mayor Mel Lopez, will run as congressman of the first
district.

Reelectionist Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, Parañaque
Representative Eduardo Zialcita and Caloocan City Representative Oscar
Malapitan also filed their COCs on Wednesday. Broadcaster Dong Puno is
running for congressman of Muntinlupa City while Dante Liban is running for
congressman of Quezon City's second district.

The following also filed their COCs to run for seats in Congress: Arturo
Alit (2nd district,Taguig) ; Tolentino Bagus (2nd district, Caloocan City);
Prudencio Jalandoni (6th district, Manila); Josephine Lacson-Noel
(Malabon-Navotas) ; Carlos Fernandez (6th district, Manila); Edilberto Lozada
(1st district, Valenzuela); Pacifico Rosal (2nd district, Paranaque City);
Jose Capco Jr. (1st district, Taguig-Pateros) and Jose Cristobal (Pasay
City).

[chua_riwap]

Umpisa na pinakamalaking circus sa Pilipinas!