John Estrada Shares His Reason for Supporting Willie Revillame’s Political Bid

Manila, Philippines — As the political landscape continues to heat up in preparation for the upcoming elections, another celebrity has publicly voiced his support for a fellow showbiz personality. Actor and TV host John Estrada has recently shared why he will cast his vote for longtime friend and television icon Willie Revillame, should the latter push through with his rumored candidacy.

In a recent interview, Estrada didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration and trust in Revillame, calling him a “man of the masses” and someone who has “consistently given back to the Filipino people without asking for anything in return.”

“He Has Always Had a Heart for the Poor”

According to Estrada, his decision to support Revillame goes beyond friendship or showbiz ties. He emphasized Revillame’s longstanding advocacy for the underprivileged — something that the public has witnessed for decades through his television programs.

“Even before any talks of politics, Kuya Wil has already been doing the work. Every episode of his shows, you see him helping people — from scholarships to livelihood programs, to medical assistance. That’s not for publicity. That’s who he is,” Estrada said.

He went on to explain that in a country where many politicians make promises during the campaign period but disappear after elections, Revillame has always been visible and active in helping, regardless of political season.

Rumors of a Political Comeback

While Willie Revillame has yet to confirm any official plans to run for public office, speculation continues to grow after his recent public appearances hinted at a possible political campaign. Supporters have been vocal online, urging the “Wowowin” host to bring his pro-poor agenda into government.

Revillame previously flirted with politics in the past, but has so far remained in the private sector, using his shows and resources to provide direct aid to those in need. However, in recent speeches, he has mentioned the desire to “do more” for Filipinos — comments that have sparked talk of a possible Senate or even gubernatorial bid.

Estrada: “We Need Someone Real”

Estrada added that what sets Revillame apart is his authenticity — something he believes the political arena is sorely lacking.

“People are tired of politicians who only care about votes. With Willie, you know it’s coming from the heart. You can’t fake that kind of generosity. And I think that’s what people want right now — someone real, someone they can trust,” he said.

The veteran actor also brushed off criticisms that Revillame doesn’t have political experience. “There are many officials who’ve been in politics for years but have done little. Sometimes, it’s not about experience — it’s about compassion, integrity, and action. And Willie has all three.”

A Growing Trend of Celebrity-Politicians?

Estrada’s endorsement highlights the increasing crossover between the entertainment world and politics in the Philippines. Over the years, the country has seen numerous celebrities successfully transition into public service, including the likes of Vilma Santos, Tito Sotto, and Isko Moreno.

While some question whether fame should be a factor in electability, others argue that celebrities who have long served the public through advocacy or outreach are just as qualified — if not more — than traditional politicians.

What’s Next for Willie?

As of now, Willie Revillame has remained tight-lipped about his political intentions. However, with growing public support and endorsements like Estrada’s, all eyes are on the beloved TV host to see whether he will take the leap.

For John Estrada, the choice is already clear.

“If he runs, he has my vote. No second thoughts. Because I’ve seen what he’s done. And I believe in what he can still do,” he said.

Will Willie Revillame join the political race? And will his brand of showbiz-style public service translate to the government? Only time will tell. But if endorsements like John Estrada’s are any indication, a new kind of candidate might be on the horizon.

 

Ipinahayag kamakailan ng batikang aktor na si John Estrada ang kanyang buong suporta sa matagal na niyang kaibigan at kilalang personalidad sa telebisyon na si Willie Revillame, na ngayo’y tumatakbo para sa pagkasenador sa darating na halalan. Sa pamamagitan ng isang post sa social media noong Huwebes, Mayo 8, nagbigay si John ng mas malalim na paliwanag sa likod ng kanyang boto, at binigyang-diin na hindi lamang ito dahil sa kanilang personal na ugnayan.

Ayon kay John, ang kanyang desisyon ay nakabatay hindi sa pagkakaibigan nila kundi sa pagkatao ni Willie at sa tunay nitong malasakit sa mga kapwa Pilipino, lalo na sa mga mahihirap.

Aniya, “Mga kababayan, iboboto ko itong tao na ito, hindi dahil kaibigan ko siya at mahal ko ‘tong tao na ‘to, kundi dahil alam ko kung gaano niya kayo kamahal, lalo na ang mahihirap.”

Sa kanyang post, ibinahagi rin ni John ang ilang konkretong halimbawa ng kabutihang-loob ni Willie, partikular sa panahon ng sakuna at kalamidad. Isa sa mga binigyang-diin niya ay ang pagiging bukas-palad ni Willie sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan gamit ang sariling kita. Hindi raw ito ginagawa para sa papuri o upang magpasikat, kundi dahil tunay ang intensyon nitong makatulong.

“Napatunayan na ng isang WILLIE REVILLAME na kung may sakuna na nangyayari sa bansa, milyon milyon ang nilalabas niya sa sarili niyang bulsa na pinaghirapan niya,” ani John.

Dagdag pa ni John, isa si Willie sa iilang personalidad na hindi lamang tumutulong sa harap ng kamera. Marami raw itong kabutihang ginagawa na hindi naibabalita o naipo-post sa social media. Mula sa pagbibigay ng kabuhayan, edukasyon, hanggang sa agarang tulong-pinansyal sa mga biktima ng kalamidad, hindi raw matatawaran ang kontribusyon nito sa lipunan, kahit pa wala pa ito sa posisyon sa pamahalaan.

Ibinahagi rin ni John na kung ang isang tao ay may puso sa serbisyo kahit wala pa sa gobyerno, mas malaki ang maari nitong magawa kapag nabigyan ng mas malaking plataporma, gaya ng pagiging senador. Sa paniniwala niya, kung mabibigyan si Willie ng pagkakataon, magagawa nitong ipagpatuloy at palawakin ang nasimulan niyang mga proyekto para sa kapakanan ng mas nakararami.

“Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay mga taong tunay ang malasakit, hindi lang sa salita kundi sa gawa. Si Willie, hindi na kailangang patunayan pa ang kanyang intensyon. Ipinakita na niya ‘yan sa loob ng maraming taon,” dagdag pa ng aktor.

Marami sa mga netizens ang sumang-ayon sa sentimyento ni John at nagpahayag ng suporta kay Willie. May ilan ding nagsabing kung ang mga taong gaya niya na may matagal nang pagkakilala kay Willie ay buong-pusong naniniwala sa kanyang kakayahan, marahil ay karapat-dapat nga itong pagkatiwalaan.

Sa huli, ipinakita ng mensahe ni John Estrada na hindi kailangang nasa pulitika ang isang tao para maging lingkod-bayan. Ngunit kung mabibigyan ng pagkakataon si Willie Revillame na manilbihan sa mas mataas na antas, tiwala siyang mas marami pa itong matutulungan at mapagsisilbihan.