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Piolo encourages people to vote

Author: Jill Beltran
Column: Manila, Entertainment

DAYS after KC Concepcion voluntarily registered as a new voter, actor Piolo Pascual who is being linked to the actress, expressed willingness to register and exercise his right to vote.

Piolo, who holds a dual citizenship, has not participated in any of the previous elections.

He said he does not trust the system of government in the country. "You can't blame me for not voting because I can't see the change in our government."

But when the actor was asked if his ideology would still be the same for the coming 2010 election, the wind seemed to blow differently.

He said he is now willing to cast his vote in the 2010 poll. "I want to vote this election. It is my right and obligation to exercise my right to vote."

Piolo is planning to register in Quezon City.

While not directly saying he was influenced by KC, as the actress is known to be an advocate of youth registration campaign, Piolo said this is the only time he feels he should be involved in choosing the leader of the country.

"It is a shame as a Filipino not to encourage people to vote. The voice of the youth is stronger today. You just have to boost their morale and help them exercise their freedom to speak out their minds," he said.

The actor vowed he will be very careful and critical in choosing his very first set of political candidates. "I will be more involved this time in terms of knowing who this people are. Know their platforms and intentions." Apolitical

Whenever asked about joining politics, Piolo has always said no. He said he has always been apolitical.

But opposite his apolitical side, he said there is still a spot in him which would want to help make a change in the society.

Despite saying that his mother has always been opposed to politics and he does not want to make compromises, in between Piolo's statements, he cannot help but express his desire to help bring change in the country's politics.

"I have my own principles that I want to fight for. If ever that I'm sure I am ready to face it, whatever consequences, I will face it. If the situation calls for it I will do what's right. I don't want to die not doing anything significant for my country," he said.

Piolo is not new in endorsing a political candidate. He once endorsed religious leader Eddie Villanueva during the 2004 election.

Asked what if KC would ask him to endorse her stepfather Senator Kiko Pangilinan who has announced running for Vice President, he downplayed, "I'll cross the bridge when I get there. For now, I have no plan."

Source: Sunstar Daily