Edu Manzano supports Heidi Mendoza’s senatorial bid: Walang political dynasty

Edu Manzano and Heidi Mendoza. Image: Instagram/@realedumanzano; Facebook/Heidi Mendoza

Edu Manzano declared his support for senatorial candidate Heidi Mendoza, whom he commended for her principles and bravery to go against corruption.

The actor-TV host made his support for Mendoza known through a seemingly reposted lengthy statement on his Facebook page on Monday, April 21.

“Kaunti lang ang mga babaeng nasa top ng senatorial surveys: Pia Cayetano, Abby Binay, Camille Villar, at Imee Marcos. Pero aminin natin, the choices? Kind of meh,” his post began.

“Yes, they’re women. But do they represent us? Do they speak truth to power? Do they make us feel like we’re seen, protected, and worth fighting for? Or are they just women with famous last names, playing safe in the same broken system?” it further reads.

Manzano underscored that voters should support candidates who do not rely on their surnames but on their abilities that are honed by experiences.

“That’s Heidi Mendoza,” he stressed.

“Walang political dynasty. Walang padrino. Pero may tapang na humarap sa mga heneral, tumindig sa harap ng top government officials, at nagbulgar ng katiwaliang ikinabahala ng buong sistema,” he continued, referring to the former Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner’s 2011 testimonies on the irregular transactions involving Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) generals.

Manzano noted that despite the death threats Mendoza received, she fought and did not back down.

“And she didn’t just survive. She soared. The world took notice. The United Nations called her. She taught governments across continents about integrity, audit, and good governance. Not because she was well-connected, but because she was damn good,” Manzano’s post added. “So no, not all women in politics are the same.”

“Some maintain the status quo. Heidi Mendoza challenged it. And she paid the price with her safety, her peace, her comfort. But never her dignity,” it added.

Concluding the statement, Manzano wrote, “This 2025, don’t vote for what’s familiar. Vote for what’s right… Heidi Mendoza. For women who never settle. And never back down.”

Aside from Manzano, fellow celebrities Ogie Diaz and Pia Magalona also earlier declared their support for Mendoza. Content creator-actress Sassa Gurl also previously supported Mendoza, but later withdrew it due to the latter’s stance on same-sex marriage.