Lim had three autobiographical films made before launching his bid for the Manila mayorship in 1992. Last year, Ruben Torres, Ramos's executive secretary, pulled the same stunt when he ran for senator. Carefully-timed marriages are common. Revilla and Mercado lived together for 12 years before tying the knot on the eve of the campaign kickoff. Santos, a wildly popular actress for decades, is herself now running for mayor of Lipa City.
Critics pan such efforts to turn stardom into political success.
Because voters do not know the other candidates they prefer the more popular ones. Indeed, Filipinos lap up election politics as much for their entertainment value as anything. Intelligent discussion of important issues seems rare. Of even greater concern is whether stars are qualified. While celebrities have the advantage of popularity and instant name recall, fame is not a sure ticket to electoral success.