Is Vilma Santos running in 2016 elections?

Batangas governor Vilma Santos’ track record is so squeaky clean, politicians are said to have invited her to run as vice-president in 2016. But Vilma has not even thought about taking that big leap.

“Wala pa akong plano sa 2016,” she said at the presscon Vilma’s friend, Regal Films matriatch Mother Lily Monteverde called for Batangas’ “Ala Eh Festival” and for the actress’ belated birthday celebration.

In a separate interview with Philippine Star’s Ricky Lo, Vilma denied getting offers to run as vice-president.

But she admitted before the movie press gathered at Mother Lily’s events place at Valencia st., Quezon City, that local officials in Lipa City, Batangas, have asked her to serve the people again (Vilma is the first lady mayor of Lipa).

Ala Eh! Festival

“Pinuntahan ako na mga kapitan at sinabing, ‘Gov, balikan mo kami. Kailangan ka namin sa Lipa.”
Although she is not making anything final, Vilma is keeping her options open on this one.

“Pag-aaralan ko muna. Lagi kong sinasabing hindi ganoon kadali ang magsilbi talaga. If it’s meant to be (okay). Maraming salamat sa mga Lipenos.”

For now, Vilma’s heart and soul is focused on the annual Batangas’ Ala Eh! Festival that celebrates the province’s 433rd founding anniversary. This year, it is set on December 1 to 8 in the historic city of Taal.

“Makikita don ang mga pinagmamalaking produkto ng Batangas – ang Barong, food, lahat. Ang mga highlights ay ang fun run, street party, Mutya ng Batangas at VSR (Voices, Songs and Rhythms) Grand Finals.”

Luis and politics

Her son, actor-host Luis Manzano, will host the VSR event with Vilma’s good friend Ai Ai delas Alas.

Speaking of Luis, is the Kapamilya artist running for Lipa mayor or not?

The loving mom is letting her eldest son decide. After all, he's 32.  She’s just there to support him.

“Hindi ko siya ineencourage kasi alam kong hindi madali. Ayaw kong mahirapan ang anak ko. Maganda naman ang sitwasyon nya sa showbiz at ang income nya sa business (Luis has a taxi business). Hindi ko rin siya dinidiscourage kasi sabi ko, kapag pumasok ka sa pulitika, iba ang fulfillment. Yon ang legacy mo, ang pinagkatiwalaan ka. Lalo na ako, babae. You can do something sa mga tao. Yon ang pinakabayad.”

Since she’s been in politics for almost two decades, Vilma asked Luis to look within and ask himself if this is what’s in his heart. That, to her, is more important than listening to the clamor for him to run as mayor.

Legacy of a good name

“Kapag hindi galing sa puso mo at napipilitan ka lang, don’t do it. Pero kung nagawa mo, it’s very fulfilling. Hindi mapapantayan ng pera kapag makita ka ng tao and they respect you when they see you. Yon ang maiiwan mong legacy – ang pangalan mo.”

If Luis decides to join politics,Vilma will ask him to take a course on public administration the way her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, suggested to her almost two decades back.

As for her, Vilma wants to hear fellow Batanguenos say, “She has served us well” at the end of her term as governor.

The actress will always return to showbiz, which she misses so much. In fact, Vilma doesn’t plan to take her yearly break and devote it instead to shooting a drama movie with Luis’ girlfriend Angel Locsin (target playdate is Mother’s Day next year).

Vilma is also thinking of going back to movie production.

If and when she does, showbiz insiders will surely tell Vilma, “Welcome back!” as if she has never ever been away.