Showbiz Personalities in Philippine Politics and the Youth's Perception of Them

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.