efore, the magic of celebrity candidates is falter-proof. In fact, three of the seated senators are movie actors. But it's an entirely different story for running actors as far as this election's early count updates are concerned. Not one actor candidate made it to the 12–man cut of the senatorial race.

First–time senatorial aspirants Richard Gomez and Cesar Montano landed on spots between 21 to 27, at least eight paces away from the 12th and last spot. Even re-electionist and TV host Tito Sotto, whose impeccable track record dates back since he ran for vice mayor of Quezon City, also placed outside the magic 12 at number 19. If the field cleared these famous names out, how much more for the inactive Victor Wood who is at number 35 (as of this writing)?

Richard Gomez pointed to anti–artista ploys during the campaign period as a major reason why the top 12 may well be headed for an artista-free line–up. He told the Manila Bulletin in an interview on Tuesday afternoon that discrediting actors running for public office is the main cause why he did not do well this election.

"I'm not faring well but I'm doing fine and I'm able to relax now after all the hard campaign work. I believe we were still able to maximize what resources we have. Despite the lack of fund and as an independent candidate, there was really lack of back–up system but I'm feeling okay. As far as the results are concerned, it's sad that actor candidates are victims of anti-artista tactics."

This year, like in the past, celebrity runners have always been attacked of "running because of sheer popularity and not because of the advocacies we wish to carry out," Richard said.

Still holding Senate posts today are actors Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid and Jinggoy Estrada. But this elections, it has been a total reversal of fortune as the tally turned sour for celebrities this election.

Also accountable, Richard noted, is the flawed electoral process. He said this is an election of strategies. "In my case, I did not run because I'm an actor. I have been very active with my advocacies in sports, anti-drugs and the youth. I decided to run because I can better initiate change in post. If I am satisfied of the performance of those in position, I wouldn't have gone for it."

But should Richard be asked to do it again, he'd still run at greenlight's signal. "If there's still a need to do it, I will. The campaign was not an entire loss. In fact, I am very happy I was able to voice out my advocacies and more people now know me better. They now know who Richard Gomez really is. Many have learned of my educational background, my history and most of all my causes. I'd definitely give it a go again should there be another call for it and people remain dissatisfied."

For Richard, "It's a victory in itself that I was able to make a lot of people become aware of my advocacies and if only for that, all the difficulties I went through running are all worth it."

As an athlete, Richard is not one to dwell on a lost senatorial slate. "I'm an athlete. I'm used to fight and stay tough. To me, this is one competition and there will be other chances to compete. If give the chance, I'd still try my luck in politics and try to make reforms.

"I'm just defeated but I didn't really lose." The man of action that he is, Richard vowed to continue fighting for his advocacies, seated or not in the Senate. "I will not stop. I'm not the kind of person who would whine and complain about the results. I will move on. It's just sad to say that those seated, who have people in the industry to thank for during their campaigns as most of them are backed up by celebrities, are not doing anything for the entertainment industry."

In many ways, this season's campaign did involve practically every famous face on TV and the movies. But according to Richard, when they have finally secured government seats, there are very little things done for the industry.

Mother Lily Monterverde alone helped most of the senatoriables this season, providing for most of them a venue to campaign in front of the entertainment world through press gatherings, which undeniable gassed up chances for certain candidates, showbiz or non-showbiz.

The movie producer and industry mover said she "will continue to support the people she campaigned for—win or lose."

Meanwhile, Cesar Montano is expected to get involved anew in the movie industry. Although Cesar is part of Team Unity, he slid off the magic 12. But he did tell the media in a previous interview, "Whatever happens, I will be of help to the industry. Win or lose, I will devote time and effort to better benefit the entertainment industry, especially the people who need help the most."

Like Richard, Victor Wood pointed a finger to the "flawed electoral system" as the weight that pulled down the chances for candidates like him. In a previous TV interview, he also cited the lack of public debate venues. "The government channels should have been utilized," the singer-songwriter said. It turned out, he added, "only the big networks ‘won' with the big advertisements placed by the candidates with sufficient funds."

In Batangas, showbiz's Drama King Christopher de Leon only placed third in the Vice Governor race.

Ironically, celebrity–supported candidates like Noynoy Aquino (endorsed by sister Kris Aquino-Yap), Kiko Pangilinan (by wife Sharon Cuneta) and Edgardo Angara (endorsed by Sarah Geronimo) secured slots inside the winning circle.

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