Jessy Mendiola hopes Luis Manzano will be given chance to ‘prove himself’ in public service

Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola. Image: Instagram/@jessymendiola

Jessy Mendiola lamented how some people were “quick to judge” her husband, TV host-actor Luis Manzano, for being a celebrity venturing into politics.

The actress earlier spoke about Manzano’s candidacy, disclosing that the TV host running for Batangas vice governor in the 2025 midterm polls was “not part of [their] plan.”

In reaction to this, one @holaitsaela voiced her opinion and hoped that Manzano’s candidacy was done out of “good intention.”

“Hindi po ako against sa mga [celebrities or] sikat na gusto pasukin ang politika, pero sana ay may sapat na kakayahan at kaalaman po sa buong proseso ng politika. Kasi ‘yung responsibility po na aakuin niyo if mananalo kayo ay para ring responsibilidad ng isang doktor na buhay ng tao ang nakasalalay,” the netizen said via Mendiola’s comments section. “Sana lahat ng maniniwala at boboto sayo ay may maasahan at hindi masasayang boto nila.”

(I am not against celebrities or famous people trying their hands at politics, but I hope they are capable and knowledgeable about it. Because the responsibility that they will have once they win is comparable to those of doctors where lives are at stake. I hope those who will vote for [Manzano] can depend on him so that their votes will not be wasted.”

Mendiola then responded to the netizen’s comment and underscored how Manzano learned a lot about politics from his mom Vilma Santos and stepfather Ralph Recto.

“I do not understand why some people are so quick to judge porket ‘artista’ siya. Ang pagiging artista ay isa lang sa mga kaya niyang gawin sa buhay,” Mendiola said.

(I do not understand why some people are so quick to judge just because he is a celebrity. Being an artist is just one of the things he can do in life.)

Mendiola further stressed that Manzano is one of the “most qualified” ones among the celebrities vying for public posts.

“I hope people let him prove himself when it comes to public service,” she added. “Hindi naman siya ina-appoint sa pwesto niya. Lalaban siya ng patas. At the end of the day, ang mga BOTANTE parin ang magdedesisyon kung ihahalal siya bilang public servant, wala nang iba.”

(He is not being appointed to the position. He is fighting fairly. At the end of the day, the voters are the ones who will decide if they will elect him as a public servant.”

Image: Instagram/@jessymendiola

Image: Instagram/@jessymendiola

Another netizen, one @keze_ah, then pointed out to Mendiola that “Batangueños have the right to judge considering the fact that a lot of [celebrities], who had the chance to sit in a position, have failed to serve what they needed to serve.”

“Yes, they have the right to judge, but let’s not forget that he has a right to prove himself, too. It goes both ways,” Mendiola replied. “Hindi pare-parehas lahat ng artista.” (Not all celebrities are the same.)

Image: Instagram/@jessymendiola

Manzano earlier filed his certificate of candidacy alongside Santos and his half-brother Ryan Recto, who are respectively vying for Batangas governor and Batangas 6th district representative posts.