Abstract:
The society today reaps of advancement in technology and communication.
Almost every house has access to the various forms of media through the television,
newspapers, and the internet. In this light, media becomes of great influence to the
people because of the great importance of communication. Although media is value -
neutral, information shared through all of media's forms are not assured of its legitimacy.
Media remains a shadow in the Philippine political system - lurking in a comer but
houses a great responsibility of the political system's future. The force of media upon an
individual's life cannot be curtailed. Media helps shape the life - the personality of an
individual.
Because of the influence of media, especially in the Philippine society, a number
of media personalities, i.e. actors and actresses, TV hosts and anchors, and sports
persons, have entered the colorful world of Philippine politics. The neutrality of media is
carried out to the media personalities as well. Media builds-up the showbiz personalities
in politics. In turn, media is also responsible for their destruction. These celebrities use
media to gain popularity. What's wrong with society is that these personalities are
stereotyped as the trapos of elections. Even if the intentions are clear and the capabilities
are present, the celebrities who try to run for a position are still trapos.
The youth, as an important builder of society, perceives the proliferation of
showbiz personalities in Philippine politics as a negative thing. This may be because of
the fact that most of the celebrity politicians indeed are trapos. These celebrities have as much right to run for public office if they want to. The youth continually reminds the
voting public to examine each and every candidate first, before voting for them - whether
he or she is from the entertainment industry or not.
The proliferation of showbiz personalities in Philippine politics is not exactly a
negative thing. There are a few who are sincere and honest in helping their fellow
Filipinos to progress. It is in the hands of the society whether this unfair stigma on these
celebrities will continue or not.
