By Ronald Constantino
‘SHOWBIZ WING’ – The rooms of Vilma Santos and Alfred Vargas at the House of Representatives face each other, prompting people to call it the “showbiz wing.” Aside from being colleagues, Ate Vi is Alfred “ninang sa kasal.”
And also his idol, saying actors who enter politics ought to follow her sterling example, “A model for all of us.”
Indeed, Ate Vi is a tough act to follow – from exemplary mayor to governor and now congresswoman.
Other lawmakers from showbiz in the House of Representatives are Lucy Torres, Yul Servo, and Monsour del Rosario.
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THANKS TO – Like Ate Vi, Alfred acknowledges that he owes a lot to showbiz.
In his words: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for the opportunities and breaks given to me in showbiz.
I owe a lot to this industry and I will forever be grateful. And this is my own small way of trying to give back, by advocating sustainable policies for the general welfare of our beloved industry.”
The “give back” Alfred refers to include bills giving incentives to local cinema and radio-TV and protecting the welfare of artists.
Of the more than 200 congressmen, Alfred is one of the Top 10 in terms of legislative performance.
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‘ALLAN’ AND ‘BEBE KO’ – That’s how televiewers call Alfred these days, thanks to the popularity of GMA’s “Kambal, Karibal,” where he plays leadingman to Carmina Villarroel and Jean Garcia. Yes, he’s called “Allan” and “Bebe Ko.”
Alfred can’t give showbiz more time and attention owing to his busy schedule. Nevertheless, Alfred thanks his loyal fans, “My heart is happy. I am truly grateful.”
Alfred feels guilty that at times he couldn’t give his family – wife and children – the attention they deserve. But then they understand and are fully supportive. But such are the demands of public service.
He’s running next year, his third and last term as congressman of QC’s 5th district. As of this writing, there are no opponents in sight. The first time he ran he won by a landslide. The second time he was unopposed.
By the way, he has six units to go before finishing at the University of the Philippines his master’s in public administration.
