Iza Calzado, Vice Ganda endorse Risa Hontiveros

Pia Ranada, Ira Agting

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Days before the elections, celebrities announce their last-minute endorsements of candidates

PRO-RISA. Iza Calzado proudly wears Risa Hontiveros' signature sash to show her support. Photo from the Iza Calzado Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – The last few days before the elections have been peppered by last-minute celebrity endorsements of candidates.

On May 8 and May 9, actress Iza Calzado and comedian Vice Ganda (respectively) announced their endorsement of Team PNoy senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros.

Iza Calzado

In a press conference in Makati on May 8, Calzado declared, “It’s an honor to be here in front of you today and to endorse and to help Ate Risa be part of the Senate. I believe we need people like Ate Risa in the Senate.”

Balita.ph quoted Calzado as saying that she only started showing support for candidates that week and that her endorsement comes for free.

She added that Hontiveros’ policies for women are what convinced her to give her support.

“Whether I can deliver one or two votes for Ate Risa, that’s okay for me. What is important is I fully support her advocacies, especially for women.”

Senatorial Candidate Profile: Risa Hontiveros

But Hontiveros thinks Calzado’s endorsement is a significant boost to her campaign.

“Certainly not one or two but one or two million votes. Her presence in my candidacy can only make more people passionate and excited participating in the election day (sic),” said the candidate.

For the past few days, Calzado has been active in showing her support for certain candidates using her social media accounts.

Aside from Hontiveros, she has tweeted her support for senatorial candidate Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan of United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), candidate for Taguig congressman Lino Cayetano, and Biñan Mayor Arlene Alonte who is seeking her 3rd term.

The following are screen grabs from Iza Calzado’s Twitter account:

Vice Ganda

Comedian and host Vice Ganda announced on his Twitter account on Thursday, May 9, his support for senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros.

The “Gandang Gabi Vice” host posted several tweets, including a post on his Instagram account expressing his strong faith in the candidate.

Past interviews reveal Vice Ganda’s conviction for supporting candidates based on their credibility, rather than money paid for his endorsement.

Hontiveros expressed much gratitude saying, “Sobra sobra akong natutuwa (I am very, very happy). I wish to thank Vice Ganda for standing up against traditional politics. I have always admired his bravery and his intelligence, and I deeply respect the fact that he is standing up for his principles.”

In March, Hontiveros guested in Vice Ganda’s evening show on ABS-CBN, “Gandang Gabi Vice,” along with Daniel Magtira, known as a nuisance candidate who proclaims himself as Kris Aquino’s “husband.”

READ: Why Comelec entertains ‘habitual’ nuisance bets

Watch Risa on ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ here:


In a press conference for his Araneta concert, Vice Ganda revealed that, so far, he has 6 candidates he supports. The comedian claims he will announce his choices through social media.

He was recently involved in an issue with senatorial candidate Nancy Binay, when he reportedly said he was not impressed by the candidate’s credentials and track record. Binay responded saying she respects the actor’s opinion. – Rappler.com


More from Rappler’s 2013 Philippine elections coverage:

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Pia Ranada

Pia Ranada is Rappler’s Community Lead, in charge of linking our journalism with communities for impact.