Gerald Anderson says no to politics, vows to use influence for greater good

Gerald Anderson during the launch of his upcoming series “Nobody.” Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

Gerald Anderson might’ve won the hearts of the public after his heroic deeds during disasters operations, but he insisted he doesn’t see it as a stepping stone to joining politics in the future.

Anderson caught the attention of netizens after rescuing several stranded individuals at the height of the onslaught of Typhoon Carina, with many thanking him for making a consistent effort to help others.

But when asked if he considered it as an opportunity to enter politics, the actor maintained that that wasn’t his intention, saying he wanted to use his influence to do good.

“Sa comments may nakikita ako [na pumasok sa pulitika], pero nakakatulong naman tayo eh. And I’m so blessed. Okay na ako sa ganito because I still have the opportunity na makatulong sa iba,” Anderson told reporters on the sidelines of a media launch for his upcoming series “Nobody.”

“Isa [ito] sa mga motivations ko to work harder to maintain my celebrity status kasi ang laki ng tulong niya talaga. As much as possible, ginagamit ko [siya] sa tama,” he continued.

(I see comments asking me to enter politics. But I’m already helping people in this way. And I’m so blessed. I’m okay with this because I still have the opportunity to help others. This is one of my motivations to work harder to maintain my celebrity status because it’s a huge help. As much as possible, I want to use it for good.)

WATCH: Gerald Anderson speaks about his efforts to wade through the chest-deep floodwaters to help some victims of Typhoon Carina during a Q&A for his new project “Nobody.” | @HMallorcaINQ

READ RELATED STORY: https://t.co/JEHFmvzbcd pic.twitter.com/MXoS1mZEDz

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Anderson pointed out that his “power and opportunity” as a celebrity is enough to influence his supporters in the right way. “Aaminin ko, may mga kaibigan akong pulitiko. May mga nakakausap ako dahil sa mga projects na ginagawa ko. The power is there.”

“If gusto mo talagang tumulong, and the impact is there, nand’un ang power and opportunities,” he continued. “Ang swerte ko lang na dahil celebrity din ako, nand’un ‘yung power and influence — and ginagamit ko sa tama.”

(I admit that I have friends who are politicians. I am also in talks with them due to my projects. The power is there. If you really want to help, the impact, power, and opportunities are there. I’m just lucky that because I’m a celebrity, the power and influence are there. And I’m using it for good.)

Inspiring others

Touching on his viral video, Anderson stressed that helping the victims of the typhoon wouldn’t gain traction if he’s not a celebrity. “Sa tingin mo, kung hindi ako artista, magte-trend ba ‘yun? Hindi, diba? Nagkataon lang na artista ako, na-videohan, but that also inspired many other people. Gan’un ang tinitignan kong influence.”

(If I’m not a celebrity, do you think the video would trend? No, right? It just so happened that I’m because I’m a celebrity and I was recorded. But that also inspired other people. That’s how I see this particular influence.)

“Noong nag-trending ang video na ‘yun, sabi ko, I don’t want to inspire other people na lumangoy sa baha kasi napakadelikado n’un. Hindi ko ‘yan ineencourage. Matagal na akong [nagsi-swimming], I’ve done search and rescue training. But I want to inspire people to give a helping hand in different ways,” he further added, in response to INQUIRER.net’s question on what gives him the courage to keep helping people.

(When that video trended, I said that I didn’t want to inspire other people to swim in floodwater. It’s very dangerous. I don’t encourage it. I’ve been swimming for a long time. I’ve done search and rescue training. But I want to inspire people to give a helping hand in different ways.)

Gerald Anderson. Images: Instagram/@andersongeraldjr, X/@TmaeOsanomae

The actor nevertheless thanked those who expressed their concern, saying being an inspiration to do good is enough for him.

“Pwede kayong mag-donate, pumunta sa mga shelters — ang daming paraan na tumulong. Ang dami naming sugat na nakuha but I’m so touched with everybody that messaged me na uminom ng gamot, may nagpadala sa’kin ng gamot kasi naubusan lahat ng gamot sa drug store, it makes everything worth it,” he said.

(You can donate or visit shelters — there are many ways to help. I sustained a lot of wounds, but I’m so touched by everybody who messaged me to drink medicine and I even received medicine because the drugstores already ran out. It makes everything worth it.)

Anderson is set to make his teleserye comeback with “Nobody,” which is directed by Benedict Mique. Details on the premiere date and his castmates are yet to be announced.