Veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta believes that showbiz personalities should not enter politics, emphasizing that he has never been blinded by fame or influenced by external interests.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarmenta reflected on his decades-long career in the entertainment industry, stating, “Oo. Artista ako. Ito ang aking kinamulatan… Apat na gulang ako ng magsimula. Hindi. Hindi ako ginamit ng kahit na sino…”
He acknowledged the many people who shaped his values and helped him stay grounded despite the allure of stardom. “Ang mabubuting taong nag-paalala sa akin na hindi ko kailangan magpadala sa agos ng mga hiyaw at sa kasikatan,” he shared.
Sarmenta then made it clear that he will not endorse any celebrity candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. “At dahil din sa kanila, di ako naniniwalang dapat tumakbo ang mga sikat,” he firmly stated.
He argued that name recognition gives actors an unfair advantage over less-known political opponents, but that fame alone does not equate to competence in governance. “Kilala sila… oo. Pero hindi ito batayan ng kagalingan sa pagpapaunlad ng bayan,” he added.
The actor also revealed that he has been offered government positions in the past but repeatedly declined them. “Alam ko kung sino ang mga pinili ko. Wala. Walang artista sa kanila,” he emphasized.
Sarmenta’s statement comes after fellow actor John Arcilla previously shared his stance on celebrities running for office, saying that while everyone has the right to seek public office, their motivations must be clear: “Para ba talaga maglingkod o para yumaman dahil wala kang pinagkakakitaan?”
Several entertainment personalities, including Phillip Salvador, Nora Aunor, Marjorie Barretto, and Ara Mina, are set to run in the 2025 elections, while others are seeking reelection.
