FilAms voice dismay toward Vilma Santos’s, sons’ candidacies
By Cristina DC Pastor
Behind the reels showing the multi-awarded actress dancing cheerfully on TikTok, the Santos-Recto family of Batangas has been plotting to command power and form a political dynasty.
The veteran actress Vilma Santos has recently filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) to reclaim her former seat as governor of Batangas. In a startling move, she was joined by her two sons who also filed their own COCs: older son Luis Santos Manzano who will be running for vice governor of the province, and Ryan Santos Recto who is aspiring for the position of representative in the province’s 6th district. The trio was photographed grinning, wearing the red shirt of the Nacionalista Party and holding up copies of their COCs.
Politicians, even those who come from prominent political families, never saw this coming. Many thought Vilma Santos, a respected actor, would never use her fame to promote family politics although it’s a common practice among clans to perpetuate power.
“It’s shameful,” said Vivian Talambiras Cruz, who comes from Batangas City. “They’re not even from Batangas and during her term as governor she didn’t even make any significant change. She is just counting on her popularity as a star, that’s all.”
Popularity is something Santos has plenty of. She has won numerous acting awards over the 60 years she has been on movie screens. She started out as a child actress in the 1963 tearjerker “Trudis Liit,” and has remained a box-office star through her latest film “When I Met You” in 2023.
Also from Batangas, Joebert Opulencia of Tanauan, remarked, “No one is to be blamed except the Filipino voters. They have allowed such in exchange for what?”
Fans of Vilma Santos, and they are legions, are just as disillusioned.
Said Edwin Josue on Facebook, “I love her but what’s the political dynasty that they’re creating. Very sad. Enough of families controlling the country.”
“She’s my idol,” said Nette Aquino, a resident of Queens. “but this move is a definite NO for me! Nakakalungkot lang na pati sya ay nahawa na rin.”
“I love her, but this is very unexpected of her! Very sad,” echoed retired nurse Menchu de Luna.
Jiji Shapiro, whose father is from Taal, said, she may not know much to be able to give an objective opinion. “The only thing I can say is I don’t agree that both positions of governor and vice governor should be from the same family. I know many are saying they’re not even Batanguenos and they have nerves to run for those positions.”
Ging Gonzaga took note that Luis Manzano was implicated in an alleged fraud related to a fuel company that plans to set up gasoline stations. He has since been cleared by the NBI although the 12 officers of the company continue to face estafa charges.
Wept Vilma on Luis’s alleged involvement in the company where he was the president, “Ang anak ko tumutulong ng tao, hindi nanloloko.”
Vilma has served three terms as mayor of Lipa City from 1998 to 2007, and another three terms as governor of Batangas from 2007 to 2016. She was a two-term representative in the House from 2016 to 2022.
© The FilAm 2024
