The 2019 mid-term elections is still over a year away.
This early, prognosticators are starting to look at potential candidates who are poised to take over half of the Senate seats come July of next year. And not surprisingly, there are a few names from the broadcast industry that were mentioned as potential candidates for one of the twelve Senate seats available.
Take for instance Jiggy Manicad. The long-time GMA News reporter and anchor is being considered as a possible candidate for a Senate seat according to Senate President Koko Pimentel.
Consequently, Jiggy announced his departure from GMA News within days of the report, saying that he wants to jump into the ‘next level’ of public service. But he was not the only news personality to be mentioned as a possible Senate candidate.
In a recent Pulse Asia survey, PTV-4 news anchor Erwin Tulfo was listed in the top 12 of potential top candidates for a seat in the Senate. So far, Erwin has yet to comment on the matter.
Journalists running for public office is nothing new in the Philippines. Perhaps one can look at the two most successful journalists-turned-politicians of the recent past.
Noli de Castro, the ‘Kabayan’ of primetime television news, ran as Senator and won in 2001. Three years later, he became then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s running-mate for Vice President and became victorious, serving for another six years before resuming his career as a news anchor.
Another ABS-CBN News alumnus, Loren Legarda, also ran for a Senate seat in 1998 and won. She has since earned another two terms at the Senate in 2007 and 2013.
But not all journalists were destined for political office. Jay Sonza, for instance, twice tried to run for Senator but failed to earn a seat each time.
That said, any journalist who enters the world of politics, particularly in a highly-scrutinized position such as the Senate, must be well-rehearsed to handle the demands of the campaign and their role if elected. If they do not have what it takes, chances are they will not get the majority votes from the masses.
The election period is still over a year away, so there is a lot of time for the likes of Jiggy Manicad and Erwin Tulfo to consider the risks and rewards of the political arena. Good luck, not just with them, but also to any journalist who want to join the bandwagon.
From the Tube 
This early people are already making “pagdagsa ng mga tae” jokes. Poor Jiggy.
They criticize him for being part of the reported pro-admin slate. The finalized slate must be furnished before the COC filing season come October but their official campaign season won’t start until February.
In any case, good luck to him. Win or lose, at least he tried.
That annoying yet unsurprising news, plus the long overdue Barangay and SK Elections, have throttled me to unravel my election insight series earlier than expected. By next year, I should be very busy in giving my points that matter. Hence, I cannot pen any insights on TV (such as entertainment or sports or technical issues) save for traditional ones until that season (January to May) is over.
I’m really not happy with their decision but I shrugged since anyone can run.
To paraphrase the late and the most-beloved Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago: “Any idiot can run.. and possibly poll a certain number of votes among his fellow idiots.”
Always run with caution, that’s all. And, be careful what you wish for.
Loren Legarda didn’t ran for reelection in 2004. She served as Fernando Poe Jr.’s VP running mate that year.
Corrected.
After her 2004 vice presidential defeat, she briefly returnef to broadcasting on the then-ABC 5.
*returned
Hindi siya masyadong nakilala sa Singko though. Mas tumatak siya sa Dos particularly with The World Tonight noong kapartner niya si Angelo Castro Jr. during those 12 years.
Yes and prior to joining 2, Loren was on 4 before that.
Matagal na pala siya.
I knew some jornalist did run as senator like did De Castro run as senator in 2001
There are other journalists who ran for other positions such as Congress and local government, but the Senate had a higher profile that’s why the likes of Noli de Castro and Loren Legarda gained greater fame by successfully running for a Senate seat after making their mark as news anchors.
I Think it was Dong Puno who ran for Senator in 2001
He wasn’t successful though. Nowadays he’s no longer visible; his last show was with News5 that didn’t last long.