What Vilma taught Lucky about politics

March 5, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — “With all honesty, we just don’t want to entertain that. We are here to serve and people will judge us. That’s all.”

Vilma Santos-Recto gave a straightforward answer when recently asked by The STAR about her thoughts on political dynasties.

Vilma is eyeing to return as Batangas governor while her sons Luis “Lucky” Manzano and Ryan Christian Santos-Recto are aiming for Batangas vice-governor and Batangas 6th district representative positions, respectively.

“We simply submit ourselves to the electoral process and we just want to serve every Batangueño. Kung saan mapunta ang pangarap namin sa paglilingkod, kung saan namin gustong ilagay ang puso namin, it depends on the voter,” added Lucky.

“My brother said it perfectly,” echoed Ryan. “We’re here to be of service to the people and ultimately the choice will always be theirs. That’s about it.”

Vilma shared that it was she who convinced Lucky to throw his hat into the political ring.

“He just said one thing, now that he has a family, it’s about time that he will give his life, baka pwede niyang mapalaki ang serbisyo sa mamayang Pilipino. I will be needing you,” the Star for All Seasons recalled telling Lucky.

Lucky, on the other hand, admitted that several of his endorsement deals dropped following his declaration of candidacy. He also just wrapped up taping the finale episode of the game show “Rainbow Rumble.”

“To be honest, a lot of my endorsements didn’t renew. It’s like that when I thought of filing my candidacy. That’s one of the things that Gov. Vi said nung unang usapan pa lang namin (the first time we talked about it),” revealed Lucky.

“We were eating, and she said, ‘Anak, I know the industry. Believe me, the moment you make the announcement, whether you believe it or not, even your endorsements will disappear, and they will back out.’”

Three or four of his endorsements have already pulled out, furthered Lucky.

“I said, ‘I understand that.’ My income, of course, gets affected. Gov. Vi told me, which I also felt, ‘Simula’t sapol (From the start) anak, you’ll have fewer commercials and endorsements, but you’ll sleep better because because you will help a lot of people.”

At the same time, Lucky “felt sad” because of its financial impact. “You know me, I grew up in the (showbiz) industry. There are brands whose trust in me lampas (has gone beyond) five years. We had a long partnership. But I fully understand why.

“Hindi naman ‘to trip-trip lang. There are certain legalities from the company that should be followed. Their endorser can’t be a candidate.”

The STAR was able to talk to Vilma and his sons during the Barako Fest in Lipa, Batangas.