Actor gunning for top seat in Sogod defends celebrities joining politics

Local

GIVE celebrities a chance. This was highlighted by Filipino actor DJ Durano after he was asked about the perceived negative notion surrounding celebrities joining politics.

In a media interview on Friday, October 11, Durano emphasized that celebrities also have the right to be elected to public office.

He said that in the past, several elected celebrities have brought positive changes to their local government units. Durano added that their celebrity status should not be a hindrance to their ability to get elected and serve the people.

Durano, who is running for mayor of Sogod, Cebu, attended a press conference hosted by the Durano political clan in Danao City.

He will be running under the local party Bakud, challenging his sister, incumbent Mayor Moonyeen Durano-Streegan.

When asked why he decided to run, Durano explained that public service runs in his bloodline. He shared that it was his late father, former Sogod Mayor Thaddeus Duterte Durano Sr., who inspired him.

His father, who passed away from cancer, had left a lasting influence on DJ, motivating him to continue his father’s legacy of serving the people of Sogod.

Durano also said that one of his primary goals, if elected, would be to ensure the provision of clean and accessible water to the residents of Sogod.

He expressed concern that despite being a basic necessity, many still lacked access to clean water.

The wave of celebrities and social media personalities filing their certificates of candidacy (COC) for the upcoming 2025 midterm elections has recently drawn attention, with the filing period running from October 1 to 8.

In addition to Durano, notable stars who have filed their COCs include celebrity couple Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez.

Richard is running for a second term as congressman for the 4th District of Leyte, while Lucy will once again run for mayor of Ormoc City.

Angelika Dela Cruz is seeking the vice mayoralty post in Malabon City. She was accompanied by celebrity couple Nash Aguas and Mika dela Cruz when she filed her COC on Monday, October 7.

Angelu de Leon also filed her COC for re-election as a councilor in the 2nd District of Pasig City.

Re-electionists from the entertainment industry include Arjo Atayde, Quezon City 1st District Representative; Jolo Revilla, Cavite 1st District Representative; and Alfred Vargas, Quezon City 5th District Councilor.

First-time candidates include actor Enzo Pineda, who is aiming for a seat as Quezon City’s 5th District Councilor.

Social media personalities have also joined the race. Rosmar Tan is running for councilor in Manila’s 1st District, after an unsuccessful bid for the 4th District councilor post in 2022.

Deo Balbuena, popularly known as "Diwata," has filed his certificate of nomination and acceptance as the fourth nominee for the Vendors party-list group.(MyTVCebu)