From Sharon Cuneta to Toni Gonzaga: Who PH celebrities are supporting in the upcoming 2022 national elections
With the May 2022 national elections closely inching by the day, local celebrities have been going beyond just encouraging the public to vote—they're also voicing out which presidential and vice presidential candidates they want to see in the Philippines' top posts.
From cheering the hopefuls when they made their candidacy official to joining their respective proclamation rallies, here are some TV and internet personalities who have been lending their star power to their preferred candidates in the upcoming elections.
Pacquiao-Atienza
In Sen. Manny Pacquiao and House deputy speaker Lito Atienza's corner are Anak singer Freddie Aguilar and the boxer's wife Jinkee Pacquiao.
During their proclamation rally, both celebrities were present, with Aguilar performing an original song for the senator as well as applauding his "sincerity" as a politician.
Meanwhile, Jinkee said she and their children "stand beside [Manny] wholeheartedly."
"Bilang asawa nakita ko ang pambihirang transformation niya from Glory to Glory. Babe, The Lord redeemed you and restored you for this very purpose," she wrote in September 2021, when the senator publicized his bid.
Lacson-Sotto
For senators Ping Lacson and Tito Sotto, the latter's Eat Bulaga cohorts showed up during their proclamation rally. Vic Sotto, Jose Manalo, and Wally Bayola endorsed the tandem, gracing the stage with speeches on Feb. 8 while Marc Pingris, Iwa Motto, and Ciara Sotto were present at the event.
Other "Dabarkads" like Allan K have been vocal about their support for Sotto on Instagram.
Marcos-Duterte
Among the biggest names rallying behind former senator Bongbong Marcos and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte is Toni Gonzaga, whose support has been a topic of debate online.
The actress and TV host, who had Marcos as a sponsor during her 2015 wedding, publicized her support for the late dictator's son when she hosted the UniTeam rally in Philippine Arena.
She stepped down as Pinoy Big Brother host the day after the campaign launch and hinted at being "unbothered" after getting flak for hosting the event.
Gonzaga's husband Paul Soriano also expressed his support for Marcos, calling the candidate "my president."
Randy Santiago, Ynez Veneracion, Robert Sena, and Isay Alvarez also attended the UniTeam launch in Bulacan.
Meanwhile, OPM legend Wency Cornejo vowed his support for the tandem online, saying he won't change his mind about his vote.
Rapper Andrew E also rallied behind the ticket, performing at the tandem's campaign rally in Sta. Maria, Bulacan last March 8. He also shared the stage with Duterte-Carpio, calling her "My vice president."
Star of upcoming film Greed Diego Loyzaga and his father Cesar Montano expressed their support for the UniTeam tandem by joining the BBM-Sara Celebrity All-Star basketball game on April 8 at the Cebu City Coliseum.
"Meron na kasing nasimulan 'yung president natin ngayon na when BBM-Sara come to the position na sila ang uupo, matutuloy 'yung nasimulan, 'yung tunay na pagbabago," Loyzaga said during a press conference.
Volleyball player and beauty pageant titleholder Michele Gumabao, who filed for candidacy as the second nominee for Mothers for Change (MOCHA) partylist, said she stands "united."
"We all have a choice, we can all make a stand! Respect one another's decision and together let's pray for a safe and fair election," Gumabao wrote on April 28.
For her part, TV influencer Daphne Oseña Paez wore Marcos Jr.'s red campaign color, posting "Mahal ko ang Pilipinas. Sama-sama tayong babangon muli."
Social media influencer Cat Arambulo has also been vocal for her support for UniTeam, attending rallies. She was among those who urged supporters to wear red as they attended the April 28 gathering at Rockwell Powerplant Mall.
Robredo-Pangilinan
A number of celebrities have declared their support for Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan by attending their proclamation rally, celebrating when Robredo publicized her presidential bid, and, most notably, wearing the candidate's signature color: pink.
Among these big names are Cherry Pie Picache, Agot Isidro, Nikki Valdez, Pinky Amador, Janine Gutierrez, Jolina Magdangal, Iza Calzado, Saab Magalona, Rica Peralejo, Bianca Gonzalez, Macoy Averilla aka Macoy Dubs, Janina Vela, JK Labajo, Reese Lansangan, Sassa Gurl, and more.
Sharon Cuneta, who previously said she was torn between VP bets Pangilinan and Sotto, gave a message at the Robredo-Pangilinan campaign launch, cementing her support.
On the other hand, Gary Valenciano admitted that he's voting for the first time in the 2022 elections, rallying behind the tandem.
Former Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia has also been vocal about his leader of choice since October last year, even saying he would reunite the band if Robredo would run for president.
I wish I had more time to chat with fans, some of whom I’m pretty sure don’t share my political views. But for a few mins we found a common ground and that is humanity. This is something we all share, and something that must resonate the most in a leader. #LetLeniLead2022
— Ely Buendia (@elybuendia9001) October 10, 2021
On March 2, Creamline Cool Smashers and former Ateneo de Manila University volleyball player Alyssa Valdez tweeted her support for Robredo, saying "dahil sa lider na tapat, maasahan ang serbisyong nararapat sa bawat Pilipino."
#IbobotoKoSiLeni #AngatBuhayLahat #athletesforleni #10RobredoForPresident#KulayRosasAngBukas#LeniKiko2022
— Alyssa Valdez (@AlyssaValdez2) March 2, 2022
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OPM band Rivermaya also rallied behind the VP's presidential bid, turning their social media profile pink. In October last year, they addressed the political divide among their fans, saying they respect their followers who disagree with their views.
"Sa mga ayaw na sa main dahil sa pagsuporta namin kay VP Leni, okey lang 'yon. Kahit wala namang koneksyon ang musika sa pulitika, rerespetuhin ko ang inyong desisyon. Sa mga patuloy na susuporta sa main kahit na magkaiba tayo ng political views, maraming salamat. Pwede namang magkasundo pa rin sa musika diba? Naka ilang eleksyon na ba tayo mula 1994? Never namin ipipilit sa inyo ang pananaw namin," the band's statement read.
Rivermaya is also playing at Robredo's campaign rallies.
Star of the upcoming Darna film Jane De Leon celebrated International Women's day donning a pink outfit and declaring her support for the lone woman candidate for president.
"#LetLeniLead2022," she wrote on Instagram.
On March 20, actress Angel Locsin joined Robredo's rally in Pasig with her husband Neil Arce.
Meanwhile, indie OPM band Ben&Ben have expressed their support for the VP and is performing at her Pasig rally.
see u later #PasigLaban #LeniKiko2022 pic.twitter.com/JhGt6nybSh
— Ben&Ben (@BenAndBenMusic) March 20, 2022
On April 9, Nadine Lustre graced the Leni-Kiko campaign rally for the first time in Pampanga. She trended online as a fan handed her a bottle of lechon sauce as she performed on stage.
“LABAN LENI! LABAN KIKO! LABAN PILIPINAS!”
— ً (@walkingnozomi) April 9, 2022
One of the strongest women I know supporting Leni-Kiko campaign. Thank you, Nadine Lustre! 💓pic.twitter.com/aK6cxNh1H8
Actor Piolo Pascual made his endorsement of Robredo's bid public on April 11 as he talked about what "real unity" looks like in a video posted on his social media accounts.
"Iisa lang ang taong nagpakita at nagparamdam niyan sa atin sa loob ng napakaraming taon: si Leni Robredo lang. At si Leni Robredo lang ang tanging iboboto kong pangulo ngayong eleksyon," he said.
On April 17, Bob Ong, the writer behind ABNKKBSNPLAko?! and Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ng Libro ang mga Pilipino?, declared his endorsement for Robredo in a lengthy Facebook post.
"Ipagkakatiwala ko ang boto ko kay Leni Robredo hindi dahil sa mga pangakong gagawin nya. Iboboto ko siya dahil sa magagawa nya na—nang higit pa sa inaasahan, sa kabila ng mga panggigipit, maliit na pondo, at limitadong kapangyarihan," he wrote.
"Sakali mang mali ako o lumihis sya ng landas, kampante akong kasama ko sa botong ito ang mga Pilipinong marunong pumuna ng mali at hindi lokokohin lang ang sarili para lang magmukhang tama."
Although Ong's real name and identity are unknown, the author used his platform to voice his thoughts on the national elections.
Moreno-Ong
Backing the tandem of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Dr. Willie Ong is House Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto.
"We will support him. Mayor Isko is an inspiring and God-loving leader and we can see his drive to serve the Filipino people with a heart, hope, and action. With what he did to Manila, especially during this pandemic, we saw his focus and sincerity as a leader," the veteran actress said.
TV host Billy Crawford on March 29 endorsed fellow That's Entertainment alumnus Moreno through an Instagram video.
"Kailangan natin ay lider na kayang humarap sa anumang pagsubok. Lider na kayang punan ang pangangailangan ng mahirap. Lider na sa tingin ko nagpapahalaga sa edukasyon, at lider na kayang ipaglaban ang ating bayan. Kaya ako, sa darating na Mayo, masasabi ko, Isko ako," the Its Showtime host said.