Marco Gumabao tackles ‘stigma’ vs actors who are entering politics

Marco Gumabao. Image: Instagram/@gumabaomarco

When actor Marco Gumabao announced his bid to run for public office, not a few eyebrows were raised. He is, after all, a promising young actor seemingly aiming to throw away a lucrative showbiz career in favor of one in public service.

When Gumabao posted on Instagram his filing of his certificate of candidacy for representative of the fourth district of Camarines Sur, several followers asked him if he was serious and what he could “bring to the table.”

The actor gamely answered the question as he laid down his qualifications and background that would indicate that he is really not that “green” when it comes to politics. He is, after all, the son of former Quezon City congressman Dennis Roldan (Mitchell Gumabao in real life), a former actor and now a pastor, who is serving a life sentence for a kidnapping for ransom case.

But never mind his background. Gumabao is out to “break the stigma” that befall every actor who aspires for a post in government.

“[Your] question is very valid and thank you for asking. I understand the stigma against actors running for politics na iniisip ng iba na di nila sineseryoso yung position na tinatakbo nila (because others would think they’re not taking the positions they’re running for seriously). And I’m here to break that,” he said.

“At a young age, I was exposed to public service already because I have family members who were public servants before. It has always been in my heart to use my platform to help people,” continued Gumabao.

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@gumabaomarco

The actor further said that he has sufficient educational background related to governance, which he is currently taking at the University of the Philippines’ National College of Public Administration and Governance. He took his early education at the Ateneo de Manila University, and then studied AB Psychology at the De La Salle University.

“I’m not here to say that I’m the smartest or I know it all, but one thing is for sure, my work ethic is something I’m very proud of. Masipag ako lalo na pag gusto ko ang ginagawa ko. Maayos ako makitungo sa tao, (I work hard, especially if I like what I’m doing. I interact with people well), and above all, I genuinely wanna help. Thank you,” he said.

Gumabao filed his COC at the Ka Fuerte Sports Complex in Pili, Camarines Sur on Tuesday. He was accompanied by his girlfriend Cristine Reyes. He is running under the National Unity Party slate of the Villafuerte clan in the 2025 midterm elections.