Reel-life politicians: film and TV stars loom large in election run-up

Article Abstract:

Movie and television personalities running for public office in the Philippines are rewarded with instant name and face recognition, overshadowing a possible lack of experience in statesmanship. Career politicians complain they are handicapped by difficulty in establishing recognition. Prominent among these actors-cum-politicians are Vicente Sotto, Augusto 'Chiquito' Pangan and Ramon Revilla. The leading vice-presidential contender, actor Joseph Estrada, is portrayed in social circles as lacking in political wherewithal, prompting the circulation of jokes denigrating his qualifications.

Author: Tasker, Rodney
Actors, Public opinion, Estrada, Joseph P.

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Preventive measures: church targets population-control advocates

Article Abstract:

The Catholic Church in the Philippines is fiercely opposing the candidacy of former Health Secretary Juan Flavier for a senatorial seat. Flavier strongly backed efforts to spread the use of birth control, which many church members equate with abortion. The church is very strong politically in the country, where 85% of the 64 million people are Catholic, but recent polls show that most consider family planning a private matter and 55% think the govt should support birth control with financial aid.

Author: Tasker, Rodney
Birth control, Catholic Church in Philippines, Flavier, Juan

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Subjects list: Political activity, Political aspects, Philippines
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