Many influencers and celebrities are  increasingly entering the political arena, each want a seat of power. However, this is not a sign of progress, it instead raises concerns about their qualifications and motivation. The rise of celebrity politicians poses a threat to our democracy and the future of our nation.

One concern about these celebrity politicians is their lack of necessary political experience and expertise. Indeed, their fame and popularity do not automatically mean they have full understanding of laws and governance. For instance, Joseph Estrada, a former movie star, became the 13th president of the Philippines. His administration was tainted with widespread corruption and economic instability. Estrada's presidency was marked by several controversial decisions including his involvement in the jueteng-gate scandal, where he was accused of illegally accepting payoffs from various sources. Next, he was also criticized for his handling of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) conflict, which resulted in a surge of bloodshed. As a result, these incidents, combined with his extravagant lifestyle and alleged corruption, eventually contributed to his demise. This example raises doubts about the qualifications for political office of personalities with similar background. Their lack of experience has the potential to negatively impact governance.

Furthermore, the rise of celebrities in politics has lowered the standards of governance in the Philippines. This trend has created a culture where fame and popularity are more valued than experience and competence. As citizens and voters, we must think critically and choose leaders not based on their fame but based on their credibility. We must choose leaders who are equipped to govern, who are qualified, and who will prioritize the country above all else. Take, for example, Manny Pacquiao, whose controversial statements on LGBTQ+ rights and support for the death penalty highlight a lack of understanding of complex policy issues; Bong Revilla, whose involvement in the "pork barrel" scandal demonstrates a clear prioritization of personal gain over public service; and Robin Padilla, whose recent statements on marital rape raise serious concerns about his understanding of gender equality and his commitment to protecting women's rights. We cannot afford to let our democracy be seized by those who prioritize personal gain over the well-being of our nation. 

Therefore, to protect our government and the Filipino people, we need stricter rules for who can run for office. The 1987 Philippine Constitution, while outlining basic qualifications, needs to be strengthened to explicitly disqualify individuals with serious criminal charges, corruption allegations, or violations of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials from seeking public office.  This would ensure that those seeking public office are held to higher standards of accountability and integrity. Additionally, we must make elections more transparent and educate voters about political issues.  We need to implement voter education programs, require candidates to disclose their financial records, and provide easier access to voter registration information. These steps will empower voters to make informed decisions and strengthen our democracy.

If we let this trend continue, we risk the further decline of quality in our governance, a deepening of corruption, and a loss of faith in our constitution. The Philippines needs leaders who are committed to serving the people, not their own ambition.  Are we just going to repeat the mistakes of the past? Will we fall for the same empty promises and gamble our future by entrusting it to these celebrities? The future of our nation depends on the choices we make today.