Actress-turned-politician Vilma Santos addressed criticisms about political dynasties after her sons, Luis Manzano and Ryan Christian Recto, filed their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 mid-term elections.
In a recent interview with showbiz journalist Gorgy Rula, the “Star for All Seasons’ who is seeking to return to her position as Batangas governor, expressed her support for her sons’ pursuit of public service, which she said is being backed by her husband, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, as well.
Luis previously announced that he is also running in the province alongside his mother as her vice governor, while his younger brother, Ryan, will run as a congressional candidate.
TV host na si Luis Manzano, nag-file ng kanyang certificate of candidacy bilang vice-governor ng Batangas. Kasabay…
Posted by Pilipino Star Ngayon Digital on Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Vilma expressed her desire to bring in younger perspectives to the political arena, especially considering the growing influence of the younger demographic.
“Alam mo sa totoo lang, it cannot be always ito na lang tayo nang ito,” Pilipino Star Ngayon quoted Vilma’s statement.
“‘Yung sistema natin sa pulitika. Sinasabi nga nila, ‘yung dynasty, dynasty. The system in politics… you asked me right now, hindi pa rin naman ako kuntento ‘e.”
Reflecting on her 24 years of public service, Vilma shared that the journey was not without challenges.
“Naranasan ko rin ‘yan for 24 years. Kahit paano naman, I think may mga challenges naman dumating sa buhay ko diyan,” she recalled, citing instances like her vote for ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal, where she stood alongside only a handful of legislators, and the loss of her committee post due to her stance against the death penalty.
“Ngayon, nahihilingan bumalik. Alam ‘yan ng Batangenyo, and para magbigay sa alam kong kaya ko pang i-offer, I just need people that I do trust, and I think I can work more effectively this time,” she remarked about being called to return to service.
She added, “I really don’t mind… I know, sabihin na nila, anyway demokrasya tayo, boboto sila. Cliché na ‘yang dahilan na ‘yan, I know, kung may batas man tayo or what.”
Vilma sserted her desire to work with her children, saying, “I just feel comfortable working with my son. You know why? Because I need energy in serving our people. I need fresh ideas, younger ideas.”
“Ibig kong sabihin, to get the Gen Z, millennials ngayon. Kasi sila ang 65 percent ngayon. Itong may mga energy e. ‘Yung fresh perspective, how to go about and deal with young people.
“‘Yun ‘yung naiisip ko as senior, alam ko ang gagawin ko, alam ko ‘yung programa ko. But I need new blood. We need… actually we need new blood. Ito ‘yung pagbibigay ng pagkakataon,” she explained.
Vilma clarified though that, ultimately, the choice is in the hands of Batangas voters, saying, “Ito’y ino-offer lang naman. Kung pagkakatiwalaan n’yo, nasa inyo naman e.”
