(From left) Jodi Sta. Maria and Arshie Larga. Images: Instagram/@jodistamaria, @arshiethromycin
As the election period officially starts, actress Jodi Sta. Maria and content creator Arshie Larga reminded their fans about the importance of making informed decisions.
Sta. Maria reiterated that people have the “strength” to decide who gets elected for public office on her X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, October 2.
“My morning thought — We may not have control over who runs for public office, but our strength lies in wisely choosing those deserving of our trust. Make informed choices,” she wrote.
My morning thought – We may not have control over who runs for public office, but our strength lies in wisely choosing those deserving of our trust. Make informed choices. 💭
— Jodi Sta.Maria (@JodiStaMaria) October 2, 2024
Meanwhile, Larga, who’s also a licensed pharmacist, reminded his fellow content creators on X to do proper research before deciding to “endorse a certain political candidate.”
“Sa mga content creators na makakakuha ng (To content creators who receive an) inquiry to endorse a certain political candidate. Please do your research first. Alamin nyo ang mga plataporma ng mga kandidatong ito (Know the candidate’s platforms),” he said.
“Let’s be responsible content creators. Don’t do it just for the money. Future natin ang nakataya dito (Our future is at stake),” he further added.
Sa mga content creators na makakakuha ng inquiry to endorse a certain political candidate. Please do your research first. Alamin nyo ang mga plataporma ng mga kandidatong ito. Let’s be responsible content creators. Don’t do it just for the money. Future natin ang nakataya dito.
— Arshie Larga (@Arshiethromycin) October 1, 2024
The content creator then clarified that he would not endorse a candidate out of money, but due to his belief in their platform. He, however, didn’t disclose whom he would vouch for in the upcoming elections.
“Personally, hindi ako magpapabayad para lang i-endorse ang isang kandidato. Kung may makita man kayong post ko about a certain political candidate, it’s because naniniwala ako sa kakayahan ng kandidatong ito at sa kanyang plataporma. Yun lang po,” he wrote.
(Personally, I will never accept money to endorse a candidate. If you see me posting about a certain political candidate, it’s because I believe in the candidate’s abilities and platforms. That’s it.)
Personally, hindi ako magpapabayad para lang i-endorse ang isang kandidato.
Kung may makita man kayong post ko about a certain political candidate, it’s because naniniwala ako sa kakayahan ng kandidatong ito at sa kanyang plataporma. Yun lang po☺️
— Arshie Larga (@Arshiethromycin) October 1, 2024
Among those who have filed their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections are celebrities such as actors Philip Salvador is seeking a Senate seat, Marco Gumabao (Camarines Sur’s 4th district), Ion Perez (Concepcion, Tarlac), Enzo Pineda (Quezon City’s 5th district),”FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”actor and food vendor Deo “Diwata” Balbuena (Vendors party-list fourth nominee), and content creator Rosmar Tan (Manila),
Other actor-politicians who are seeking reelection are Arjo Atayde (Quezon City’s 1st district), Richard Gomez (Leyte’s 4th district), Jolo Revilla (Cavite’s 1st district), Lani Mercado-Revilla (Cavite’s 1st district), Lucy Torres-Gomez (Ormoc City), and Yul Servo (manila), to name a few.