SENATE – Back as senators are Tito Sotto, Kiko Pangilinan, and Ralph Recto. Tito’s truly showbiz – actor, TV host, and song writer, married to Helen Gamboa. Kiko and Ralph are showbiz only by association, married to Sharon Cuneta and Vilma Santos, respectively. New senator is Manny Pacquiao, boxing champion and actor-singer on the side.
Losers are senatorial aspirants Isko Moreno, Mark Lapid, Edu Manzano, Rey Langit, and Alma Moreno.
But Isko didn’t do badly, garnering more than 10 million votes, but not enough to make him a senator.
Oh, Risa Hontiveros may well be called the Pia Wurtzbach of the Senate. Pia made it as Bb. Pilipinas and eventually Miss Universe after the third try. Risa also made it to the Senate on her third try.
Yes. Risa used to be a stage actress and singer and TV host.
Outgoing senators are Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Lito Lapid.
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HOUSE – Back as members of the House of Representatives are Alfred Vargas of Quezon City, and Lucy Torres of Ormoc, and Sol Aragones of Laguna.
New congressmen are Monsour del Rosario of Makati and Yul Servo of Manila. And, of course, Vilma Santos of Lipa – after serving with distinction as Batangas governor and Lipa mayor, both for three terms, a total of 18 years.
Also winners are Edward Naceda of Manila and Toff de Venecia of Pangasinan.
Losers are Ronnie Rickets (Muntinlupa) and Imelda Papin (Camarines Sur).
Outgoing House members are Lani Mercado of Bacoor and Dan Fernandez of Laguna.
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FORMER LAWMAKERS – The first actor elected to the Senate was Rogelio de la Rosa, who later became ambassador.
Other former lawmakers from showbiz:
Eddie Ilarde, Joseph Estrada, Sonny Jaworski, and Freddie Webb. Sonny and Freddie were former basketball superstars and part-time actors. Sonny’s long retired from showbiz, but Freddie still acts onscreen (TV and movies) and hosts a sports show on television.
Eddie heads an association of senior citizens. Erap is mayor of Manila.