Stars weigh in on politics

(First of two parts)

Nothing is more divisive than issues about politics these days. Sometimes, people end up cutting ties with even their closest and oldest friends because of their opposing political views.

Worse, social media has turned what used to be a healthy exchange of ideas into something deeply polarizing. In fact, “debates” have become nastier and even destructive.

For most netizens, some of whom are empowered by the online community’s cloak of anonymity, “you’re either with us or against us.”

Even movie and TV stars find themselves on the defensive when they bravely take one side of an argument. After all, the world wide web is no place for fence sitters.

Are celebrities’ political views—from martial law and politics, to extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and vigilantism—worth their weight in gold?

We asked some of Tinseltown’s most popular and promising stars to put their two cents’ worth in: Should stars be more outspoken about their political views, or should they remain neutral?

Dingdong Dantes

Dingdong Dantes

Everybody is entitled to have an opinion, so whether celebrities voice it out or not, that’s up to them. It depends on the proper forum or the issue being discussed, because you can’t put your neck on the line for something you’re not knowledgeable about.

If the issue doesn’t concern you, huwag ka nang mag-comment. But, if you’re asked about it, just answer as honestly as you can.

Gerald Anderson. Inquirer File photo

Gerald Anderson

It isn’t easy for celebrities to share their views in public, because people will judge them right away. In the United States, you can say whatever you want (about controversial issues) and, more often than not, they’ll respect your opinion.

But, in this country, it takes someone with balls to say something about a contentious topic. Iba kasi ang mentality natin as a people.
Here, politics is almost as sacred as religion—handang magpakamatay ang mga tao (people are ready to die) for it. But, whatever you believe in, stick by it.

Personally, I prefer to stay out of it, because I don’t like getting into arguments. I just do what I can to help others.

Solenn Heussaff

Solenn Heussaff

It’s a very difficult question to answer, because even if you want to voice out your opinions about controversial issues and express what you feel about them, it’s medyo delikado (dangerous) for us. If you perform in a mall show, you don’t want anything “unpleasant” to happen there. So, for me, it’s best to keep things to myself.

Gabby Concepcion

Gabby Concepcion

Reacting to political issues is a personal choice—at that point, you’re no longer just an actor, but a citizen who just wants to share with others what your thoughts are about the topic. Kanya-kanya lang ’yan—after all, we’re free to express different points of view. ’Yung iba nga just want to run for public office.

Lindsay de Vera

Lindsay de Vera

We’re discouraged to openly talk about political issues, because it’s part of our job to endorse people. But, whether you’re an actor or not, what’s wrong about discussing your views? It’s my opinion, so you can’t tell me that I’m right or wrong. After all, we’re supposed to be protected by our freedom of speech.

As far as I’m concerned, (slain student) Kian delos Santos’ case is troubling because, like him, I’m also 17 years old. Nakakalungkot. Sana, the whole truth comes out before what happened to Kian can happen to more minors like him.

(To be concluded tomorrow)